2 Episcopal churches want to quit diocese
Tier congregations oppose stance on gays
Monday March 19, 2007

Two local Episcopal churches want to withdraw from their regional diocese and affiliate themselves with others who abide by orthodox Anglican doctrine, which teaches that homosexual behavior is incompatible with Christian teaching.

St. Andrew's in Vestal and Church of the Good Shepherd in Binghamton are talking with officials at the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York about moving their membership rolls and properties to other jurisdictions.

"Given the Episcopal Church is not willing to abide by the ruling of the Anglican Communion, we're going to withdraw and go with another body (within the communion)," said the Rev. Anthony Seel, pastor of St. Andrew's. "On Sundays, we keep our focus on worship, but it's demoralizing to go through something like this."

The crux of both congregations' discontent is the consecration in 2003 of a practicing homosexual as bishop of New Hampshire and the church leadership's tolerance of spiritual blessings for same-sex unions.

The two local churches contend both acts are contrary to the canon law that governs churches and clergy who are members of the Anglican Communion. the rest