St. Andrew's Vestal: Vestal church to sever ties to Episcopal organization
By William Moyer
Press & Sun-Bulletin
Friday June 22, 2007

VESTAL -- After months of discussion, a Vestal church vestry voted this week to withdraw from the Episcopal Church and join an orthodox province that believes homosexuality is incompatible with biblical teaching.

"We're doing what we believe," said the Rev. Anthony Seel, pastor of what is now St. Andrew Anglican Church. "We're not in the same place as the Episcopal Church."

Seel said the vestry's 8-0 decision Monday came after years of discussions and a recently completed congregational survey that showed 88 percent of St. Andrew's adherents -- between 250 and 275 members -- favored leaving the Central New York Diocese and the Episcopal denomination.

Central New York's bishop expressed regret Thursday at the local church's decision.

"It's very sad to me that we've come to this day," said Bishop Gladstone "Skip" Adams from diocesan headquarters in Syracuse. "Let's stay at the table (and talk). Separation is not necessary. It's possible to disagree. "the rest