Posted on 11/19/2006 4:11:07 PM PST by sionnsar
ATTLEBORO -- The wave of defections that has rocked the Episcopal Church since the ordination of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop in 2003 has reached the liberal Diocese of Massachusetts, where one congregation has severed its ties to the national church. Nearly two dozen others across New England have disassociated themselves from the church's teachings on gay clergy, homosexuality, and salvation.
In the first of what adherents of traditional Anglican doctrine in the United States say will be a string of defections, the Attleboro congregation that for 115 years was known as All Saints Episcopal Church has changed its name to All Saints Anglican Church and affiliated itself with the Anglican Province of Rwanda.
And in a step many see as preliminary to following the lead of All Saints, 23 other churches in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the region have joined the Anglican Communion Network, an organization of US congregations that do not accept current Episcopal teachings on the controversial topics.
"It seems we are at the moment of fracture," said the Rev. William L. Murdoch of All Saints Church in West Newbury, who is the leader of the disaffected churches in New England. ...
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. Link doesn't work
Thanks, I was able to connect finally.
St. John's in Franklin, where I was confirmed and served as an acolyte, is a member of the ACN.
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