Episcopal Schism: Both Sides' Leaders Unsure Of Next Step

By ELIZABETH HAMILTON
The Hartford Courant
December 8, 2008

The decision by conservatives who have left the Episcopal Church to form their own province in North America is both unprecedented and fraught with uncertainty for the future of the church, both nationally and in Connecticut.

The creation of a new province, announced last week at an evangelical church outside of Chicago, poses a potential threat to the Episcopal Church — the U.S. arm of the Anglican Communion — if the new province succeeds in attracting even more conservative churches or dioceses to its roster.

The defection of congregations from the Episcopal Church began five years ago, when the church ordained an openly gay bishop. This incited a backlash among its conservative churches and priests, which quickly took on international significance.

The decision created deep rifts within the Anglican Communion, the world's third-largest Christian denomination. It prompted property battles between the U.S. church and break-away parishes, and ultimately led to the action taken Wednesday by conservative bishops and priests. the rest