Diocese could ask for split
Church's stance on gay clergy 'heretical,' S.J. bishop wrote
By Anna Kaplan
Record Staff Writer
November 25, 2006

The ripple effects of the American Episcopal Church having ordained an openly gay bishop three years ago continue, and the Diocese of San Joaquin could decide next weekend whether to split from the church because of it.

The bishop of the Fresno-based diocese, John-David Schofield, will introduce amendments to the diocesan constitution at its convention next weekend calling for such a split.

He will call for the organization of more than 50 parishes from Lodi to Bakersfield and eastward to Nevada to become affiliated with the parent church in England instead of the American church.

But the national office of the Episcopal Church says such a move is not allowed. the rest