Church split has 'spiritual, emotional toll' in Vero Beach

By Elliott Jones
Friday, May 9, 2008

VERO BEACH — The incoming interim minister for Trinity Episcopal Church says the effect of the church's breakup on parishioners could be compared to a death in a family.

"This is taking a spiritual and emotional toll on people," said the Rev. Richard Lobs, of Orlando. "It's a tragedy" in a 700-member, 82-year-old parish he will head up starting July 1.

The current church leaders' disenchantment with the national Episcopal Church theological stances fomented the division, which takes place July 1, church officials recently said.

And under an agreement approved Wednesday at the diocese in Orlando, those breaking off — including the head minister, the Rev. Lorne Coyle — will move away, leaving the church buildings and property to those who want to remain Episcopalian. the rest

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