Ripe for schism – Episcopal Church closer after woman bishop elected
By Dennis O'Connor
9/27/2006
Our Sunday Visitor

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (Our Sunday Visitor) - They are dropping out like flies. So far, eight U.S. Episcopal dioceses have rejected the authority of Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori of Nevada, who was elected presiding bishop of their American church in June.

At press time, the eight dioceses, labeled "conservative" for their views against same-sex marriage, have asked Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury, England, the worldwide leader of the Anglican (or Episcopal) Church, to appoint them their own leader. The Washington Post reported that the defecting dioceses are Quincy, Ill., Dallas, Central Florida, Fort Worth, Fresno, Calif., Pittsburgh, Springfield, Ill., and South Carolina.

These dioceses garnered support last month from 20 African and Asian provinces who said they support the creation of a "two-church solution in the U.S.," according to the London Times. A two-church solution is not uncommon. It exists in England, Scotland and Wales as well.
the rest