Episcopal Secession

From BeliefNet.com:

In a conflict that could have wide repercussions for the deeply divided Episcopal Church, four California bishops have accused a fellow prelate of planning to break away from the church and have asked a disciplinary panel to stop him.

By allowing critical changes to his diocese's bylaws, conservative Bishop John-David Schofield of San Joaquin, Calif., is clearly preparing to abandon the 2.2 million-member Episcopal Church, the four bishops argue.

Unhappy with the election of incoming Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and what they perceive to be the leftward drift of the church, San Joaquin is one of seven dioceses that have asked to be put under the guidance of a different primate. The diocese, based in Fresno, Calif., is also one of three U.S. dioceses that does not ordain women.

This episode continues the disturbing trend in the Episcopal Church of being unable to find a way to join hands around the communion table and discuss differences.

In fact, this shows something that in so typical of the American 'argument culture'- an inability to have true and sustained dialogue about areas of dispute. (See here for how the argument culture concept applies to another issue.)

Too bad the free speech clause in the Constitution didn't say something about listening.

GP