An Episcopal Flock Breaks -- and Heals -- Apart

Two Factions in a Texas Diocese Parted Ways Over Different Beliefs, Leading to Lawsuits Over Property, and Now, for Some, Relief
NOVEMBER 10, 2009
By STEPHANIE SIMON
Hurst, Texas

There is still talk of pain and loss. But not much of it.

Last November, the Episcopal diocese here in northeast Texas fractured over issues such as the ordination of women and gays, and the theology of salvation. A year later, both sides express one emotion above all: Relief.

The Episcopal Church, about two million strong, is the U.S. branch of the world-wide Anglican communion, which has about 80 million members. In the past few years, scores of individual churches and several entire dioceses have rejected the leadership of the national church and formed their own Anglican Church in North America, aligned with more conservative bishops in Africa and South America.

Complicating matters, the Vatican last month reached out to the disaffected faction in the U.S., offering to welcome them into the Roman Catholic fold. It was a dramatic gesture that seemed to further strain the already-divided Episcopal Church.

But at least here in the Fort Worth diocese, the pope's overture appears to have so far fallen flat. The reason? Life apart has left both sides surprisingly content. the rest