Dio. of SC: Bishop being investigated amid Episcopal schism

November 25th,2011
By The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The conservative leader of the Episcopal diocese of South Carolina, which has roots stretching to before the American Revolution, is the first bishop facing discipline from the national church over the ongoing schism over the ordination of gay ministers.

While some conservative congregations left the national Episcopal church to join a new Anglican denomination over the issue, the South Carolina diocese has stayed in, while pushing back on theological differences and what it calls the increasing centralization of the church.

Now Bishop Mark Lawrence is facing discipline under new national church rules that took effect last summer — rules that give the national church a greater role in disciplining of priests and bishops. Depending on the outcome, Lawrence could be deposed as a spiritual leader in a church to which he has given his life.

“Personally, I’m not afraid, I’m concerned for the diocese,” the 61-year-old bishop told The Associated Press in his first interview since the allegations were announced this fall. “What’s at stake here is the worldwide Anglican community: the third largest body in Christendom.” the rest