3 Episcopalian groups worship as one in Vista
By Sandi Dolbee
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
October 30, 2006

VISTA – In ordinary times, Episcopal Bishop James Mathes would have been in Fallbrook yesterday, presiding over services at the church there as part of his rotating visit of parishes in the San Diego diocese.

These are not ordinary times.

Instead, Mathes found himself at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Vista, where three congregations have taken sanctuary from the departures and dissension afflicting the U.S. Episcopal Church.

He brought words of encouragement during what he called “a time of conflict and confusion.” And he suggested good things would come.

“In your future, as you separate back to your home communities, I don't think you'll ever be the same again – in a very positive way,” Mathes said.

Since December, six priests have left the San Diego diocese as part of a national division over such issues as the ordination of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire, the election of the denomination's first female presiding bishop and other disagreements. the rest