Local Episcopals OK with secession
San Joaquin diocese approves path to break from changing church
By Paul Burgarino , STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated:12/08/2006

Church bells rang and pews were filled at Episcopal congregations throughout the Diocese of San Joaquin on Sunday, just as another day of worship.
But something was different.

The day before, the 48-parish diocese overwhelmingly passed resolutions at a convention in Fresno that put the diocese in a position to be the first to secede from the U.S. Episcopal Church and affiliate with conservatives in the global Anglican Communion.

I would say there is a lot of relief and happiness right now, said the Rev. Tom Foster of St. Marys Church in Manteca. Most people were tired of the incremental changes being made that were altering the fabric of Christianity.

There hasnt been a major uproar, the reaction was pretty mild and not all that verbose, said the Rev. Stanley Collins of St. Marks Church in Tracy. On Sunday, the congregation had some questions about it and we made the announcement. the rest