2nd-highest Episcopal official quits diocese post

Orlando Sentinel ^ | September 24, 2003 | Mark I. Pinsky

[Cincinatus' Wife]

In the latest sign of the turmoil over homosexuality that is dividing the Episcopal Church, USA, the second-ranking official of the Diocese of Central Florida resigned Tuesday.

The Rev. Ernest Bennett says he fears the diocese may be preparing to leave the national church.

……… Bishop John Howe, whom Bennett served for the past decade, said he was deeply saddened by Bennett's departure.

"He just feels he's in a different place than where he thinks a majority in the diocese are," Howe said.

"We're both despairing over this."

The bishop acknowledged that Bennett's departure is a sign of strong differences within the diocese.

"There is division throughout the whole church -- that's the whole problem," Howe said, repeating his assurances that neither he nor the diocese will leave the Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Paul McQueen, director of the Canterbury Retreat Center and one of the authors of the original unity resolution, called Bennett's resignation "a sad loss for the diocese."

"He was the voice of sanity and reason. We're going to miss him."

[secret garden]

Starting the ping...

[Cronos]

Thus starts the beginning of the end of the Epicopal Church

[VRWC_minion]

I don't get it. Bennet voted against the election of Gay Bishop Robinson and is afraid the Florida diocese will vote to leave the USA Episcopal Church (which has decided to leave the larger Anglican community) so he resigns from the USA Episcopal Church ?

Confusing.

It is however heartening to see that the Florida Diocese is making waves.

[Prof Engineer]

ping

[Dionysius]

The wife of a friend, an abortionist doctor, has announced her decision to become an Episcopal priestess. Enough said.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Thus starts the beginning of the end of the Epicopal Church

For too long it hasn't been the church where I grew up.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

It is however heartening to see that the Florida Diocese is making waves.

Bump!

[Protagoras]

Splitting churches are becoming all the rage. My denomination is on track for it as well.

[VRWC_minion]

I'm looking for a sounding board.

I'm on a vesry of an Episcopal Church, one that I have served as SR. Warden a couple of times and as Treasurer as well as a vestry member.

I was thinking that when the rest of the world meets and presumably declares the US Church out of commmunion, that I offer a resolution to our vestry. The Resolution would say that we are terminating our diocesan in putting it in escrow until the USA Church is back in communion with the rest of the world.

It would cause our Church to be somewhat split over the issue. I would seem to me that if the vote goes through it would be a way i could continue to support and pledge to our local Church.

Any comments ?

[VRWC_minion]

we are terminating our diocesan PLEDGE

[biblewonk]

Rev Paul McQueen

BWHAHAHAHAHAHA

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP- ECUSA

Not clear - is he a Traditionalist, or an apostate?

[Revelation 911]

Splitting churches are becoming all the rage. My denomination is on track for it as well.

were recovering from one last year - a 20 yr Pastor didnt like his Conference assignment and left with about 90% of the congregation, stripped the accounts and essentially neglected a multi million dollar building.

Our little group of 35 has worked like dogs fixing it

[r9etb]

"Where you're going, I cannot go," said Bennett, who voted against the Robinson confirmation, and the same-sex union resolution at the denomination's general convention in Minneapolis.

I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go. (John 21:18)

[Protagoras]

I was really referring to the splitting of denominations, not congregations. Sorry for your trouble.

[Protagoras]

It would probably be better to work toward a new association, but that may not be possible in your situation. I hear many congregations are working to become part of the Anglican Church.

[r9etb]

Have you heard of the Communion Parishes movement?

Among other things, there is a Plan for Witholding Funds, which is along the lines of what you're suggesting.

Basically, our vestry is inviting our parishioners to restrict their pledges if they so desire. The vestry is not specifically witholding our diocesan contribution (which would invite all sorts of difficulties), but it is honoring the requests of those who do not wish their pledges to go the the diocese or national church.

[VRWC_minion]

but it is honoring the requests of those who do not wish their pledges to go the the diocese or national church.

Are they reducing the normal amount proportionate to the amount people are pledging ? For example, if the pledge were 25,000 to the diocese and someone normally pledges 2,000, would you reduce it by 2,000 or some portion their pledge is to the total ?

[VRWC_minion]

Thanks for the links. I'm glad I asked.