Posted on 10/29/2006 7:24:32 AM PST by sionnsar
After 12 votes and a daylong series of compromises, the Episcopalian Diocese of Tennessee elected a new bishop Saturday to lead 51 Midstate congregations through a period of division and turmoil.
The Rev. John Bauerschmidt, rector of Christ Church in Covington, La., will assume his new duties within 90 days, provided a majority of the country’s 96 dioceses approve.
It was the diocese’s fourth effort to elect a bishop this year as congregations statewide struggle with the issues of biblical authority over behavior, openly gay clergy and same-sex unions.
This time, there was a concerted effort among 128 lay people and 84 clergy to come together in a two-thirds majority and elect a new leader. In the end, Bauerschmidt was elected with 56 clergy votes and 93 votes from the laity.
Many changed their vote and wrestled with compromising their beliefs to elect Bauerschmidt, said the Rev. Jerry Smith, rector of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Nashville.
“I’ve been watching the pain as they struggled through this issue again and wrestled every time they came to the ballot box,” Smith said. “Some made significant shifts in their votes from when they came here today.”
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. "daylong series of compromises"
Wonder what the conservatives gave in on?
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