Episcopalians meet with bishop, debate separation
Sunday, July 9, 2006
By KAREN AYRES
The Dallas Morning News

Hundreds of Episcopalians from across North Texas gathered at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Dallas on Sunday afternoon with one question in mind: What is the future of their church?
Dallas Bishop James Stanton hosted the meeting amid widespread debate over whether the diocese and its 77 member churches should dissociate from the national Episcopal Church.

On the one side are traditionalists who believe national leaders have moved too far to the left on divisive topics including their support of female priests and gay clergy members. On the other side are those who support the changing direction.

Bishop Stanton, responding to calls for separation, said he plans to meet with each parish in coming weeks to discuss the issue, which has divided the 40,000 members of the diocese. He said a decision could be reached in October at the diocese's annual convention. the rest