Unity despite tensions in Charlotte's Episcopal community

Julie Rose
Thursday December 11, 2008

Divisions in the Episcopal Church over homosexuality deepened last week when hundreds of conservative congregations announced plans to form a rival denomination in the United States. A handful of churches in Charlotte are part of that movement and they provide a striking contrast to some of the city's most established Episcopal churches. WFAE's Julie Rose visited two congregations last Sunday and filed this report.

The members of All-Saints Anglican Church have been singing and praying for more than an hour. Then Father Filmore Strunk stands to share the news, "This week has been a most historic week. . . "

He says they are joining with about 700 other churches in the United States – and about five here in Charlotte – to create a new denomination that rivals the Episcopal Church.

The announcement is major for Strunk's parishioners and they erupt in applause and "Amens!" Last year, they followed him in splitting from St. Margaret's Episcopal Church. Larry Strawn is among them.

"We are a very conservative group of people," says Strawn. "And I do believe the Episcopal Church in general is becoming more of a liberal congregation." the rest