The Episcopal Church losing many congregations
Ocala's Grace Episcopal might be one of them
BY LASHONDA STINSON
STAR-BANNER
Dec. 12, 2007

OCALA - One November night, Bishop John W. Howe stood at the pulpit of Grace Episcopal Church as members with worried and frustrated faces stared back at him.

Howe, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, was there to tell the members what they all wanted to hear.

"During this time of transition, however it comes out, neither I or the Diocese of Central Florida intend in any way to abandon you. . . . Neither your rector [pastor] or your vestry [pastor and lay members] will decide for you whether you want to be a part of The Episcopal Church or the Diocese of Central Florida or not," Howe said. "That's something that you're going to decide for you."

Howe visited the church to address Grace Episcopal Church's recent decision to "disaffiliate" from the Central Florida diocese and The Episcopal Church (USA) - a movement that's happening in Episcopal parishes all across the country. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion and has 2.4 million members. Approximately 80 million members belong to the global denomination. the rest