A fractured church
Western Kansas bishop's letter voices his disapproval of Episcopal Church's leader
By Kathy Hanks
The Hutchinson News

The bishop of western Kansas has jumped into a national dispute over theology dividing the Episcopal Church.

Bishop James Adams has caught the attention of the newly appointed Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori with a letter stating he disapproves of her theology.

In response, the first female primate in the 500-year history of the Anglican Church has offered to visit the Western Kansas Diocese, which has about 2,500 members.

The issues that separate Adams and Jefferts Schori are part of the new face of the Episcopal Church, according to Ian Douglas, professor of mission and world Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Mass.

"Until recently it was pretty clear what Episcopalians looked like and where they resided. They were overly educated, financially secure," Douglas said.

But in the past 40 years, membership has branched out to include African Americans, women and most recently, gay and lesbian people, Douglas said. the rest