Florida: Maitland Church Breaks Episcopalian Ties
Sunday, 03 Feb 2008

MAITLAND, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35, Orlando) -- It was an emotional day for Episcopalians who attend the Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland. Almost two-thirds of the one hundred fifty church members have decided to separate from the Episcopal Church, USA.

A dispute over ordained homosexual clergy and same-sex unions has divided the 2.2 million-member Episcopal Church which is still sorting out how it should proceed following the 2003 consecration of Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire. Robinson is openly gay.

Good Shepherd's Reverend John Nyhan says the rift is not just about the homosexual issue. He says the House of Bishops, which presides over all churches in the United States, is not following the guidance of the Holy Scriptures. He says sexuality is a "smoke screen." the rest