Category : TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

(The State) South Carolina Episcopal dispute may play out in two courts

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

An official with the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina said Monday he believes the dispute over who has the right to claim the centuries-old diocese name and properties in the Lowcountry should be decided in state court, not federal.

“We believe the issues belong in state court,” the Rev. Jim Lewis, Canon to the Ordinary, said. “We certainly have plenty of state precedent in our favor….”

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, Church History, Ecclesiology, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, History, Law & Legal Issues, Presiding Bishop, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, TEC Polity & Canons, Theology

An ENS Article on the Ongoing Legal toing and Froing in South Carolina

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, Church History, Church Year / Liturgical Seasons, Ecclesiology, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Holy Week, Law & Legal Issues, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, TEC Polity & Canons, Theology

Local paper–New TEC Diocese in South Carolina asks for federal jurisdiction

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

“We have carefully examined the claims made against The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, and inherent in all these claims are federal statutory and constitutional issues that must be decided in a federal court rather than in South Carolina state court,” said Thomas Tisdale, chancellor of the continuing diocese, in a statement.

[Mark Lawrence and the diocese of South Carolina]…. has 30 days to respond to the notice of removal.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, * Economics, Politics, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Law & Legal Issues, Politics in General, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

Local Paper Article–Countersuit filed in [South Carolina] Episcopal dispute

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

TEC counterclaim filed on Maundy Thursday in South Carolina case

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, Church Year / Liturgical Seasons, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Holy Week, Law & Legal Issues, Pastoral Theology, Presiding Bishop, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

TEC Lawsuit Asks Federal Judge to Overturn State Court Order and Strip Diocese of SC of its Identity

Posted on March 16, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

A new lawsuit filed by The Episcopal Church (TEC) asks a federal court to effectively nullify a South Carolina Circuit Court order by granting a splinter group, formerly associated with the Diocese of South Carolina, control over the Diocese’s identity and properties.

“The national church’s suit is an apparent effort to move a state property rights case to a court that might support the denomination’s seizure of local assets,” said the Rev. Jim Lewis, Canon to Bishop Lawrence. “It seems to be more focused on undermining the state court’s authority and prolonging the litigation than addressing the underlying issue.”

The suit asks a federal court to prohibit Bishop Lawrence from doing what a South Carolina judge has ordered that only he can do: use the diocese’s names and symbols.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, * South Carolina, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

Anglican Unscripted Episode 67

Posted on March 12, 2013 by The_Elves

“This week your dynamic duo talk about George’s surgery and the election of the new Primate of Tanzania. Kevin and Allan talk about South Carolina, San Joaquin, and the Witness Intimidation Accord. Peter Ould brings news of border crossing in England”

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, Episcopal Church (TEC), TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

Allan Haley: ECUSA's Desperation in South Carolina Knows No Bounds

Posted on March 8, 2013 by The_Elves

One can but marvel at the madness that drives megalomania. First of all, it knows no boundaries: no matter what the odds or the ultimate cost, everything can be sacrificed so long as the sacrifice is seen as advancing the goal, which is to annihilate anything that appears to be threatening, or that is not already under complete subjugation. And individual megalomania is as nothing compared to the institutional variety, which signals all too often the last stage of an institution’s eclipse. For when the rank and file are too ensconced in their ways to see where their leaders’ follies and delusions are taking them, then the outrages of those leaders grow in proportion as the institution itself declines.

So it would appear to be in South Carolina. Having learned nothing from their experience with an identically framed federal lawsuit in Fort Worth, the Presiding Bishop and her Chancellor have now spotted Provisional Bishop Charles vonRosenberg to an ill-advised and futile gambit in the Charleston Division of the Federal District Court in South Carolina.

Read it all and there are earlier articles here and here

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, Episcopal Church (TEC), TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

Three More Diocese of S.C. Parishes Join in Suit to Prevent TEC from Seizing Property

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Support increased again for the Diocese of South Carolina’s fight to prevent The Episcopal Church (TEC) from hijacking more than $500 million in local property as three new parishes joined the suit, bringing the total number of congregations supporting the litigation to 34.

The amended complaint also added as a defendant The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, the name adopted by parishes that remain aligned with TEC, which previously had been the only defendant in the suit.

The three parishes named in the amended complaint filed with the South Carolina Circuit Court are St. Jude’s, Walterboro; Trinity, Pinopolis, and Church of the Holy Cross, Stateburg.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, * South Carolina, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

South Carolina Chronological Posts

Posted on February 28, 2013 by The_Elves

The full listing of chronological entries to do with South Carolina in 2012/2013 has been moved here from the main South Carolina Links entry due to an overflow of the entry capacity
LATEST:

(Anglican Ink) Trademark violation lawsuit against Mark Lawrence dismissed, August 25th, 2013
Local Paper Article””Federal judge dismisses Episcopal Church complaint, August 24, 2013
A.S. Haley””Court Dismisses Federal Trademark Action against S.C.”˜s Bishop Lawrence, August 24, 2013
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Against Bishop Mark Lawrence, August 23, 2013
(CEN) South Carolina clergy deposed by TEC, August 19, 2013
A.S. Haley””More Episcopal Church related Court Proceedings in South Carolina, August 12, 2013
Court Battle Over Who Is Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina After Schism, August 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm
(Diocese of SC) Judge Houck Hears Arguments in Motion to Dismiss, August 9, 2013 at 1:34 pm
(AP) Judge again weighs issues in South Carolina Episcopal schism, August 9, 2013 at 6:00 am
(AP) Attorneys back in court today in South Carolina Episcopal schism, August 8, 2013 at 6:20 am
An AP profile of the Bishop of SC churches remaining with the national Episcopal Church, August 3, 2013 at 2:30 pm
David Faulkner (Diocese of Dallas TEC priest) Chimes in, July 13, 2013 at 7:26 pm
(Living Church) Mark McCall””A Provisional Solution for South Carolina, July 2, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Entries from June 12
A PR from the brand New TEC Diocese in South Carolina on the recent Legal Ruling, June 12, 2013

Entries from June 11
An ENS Article: Federal judge remands lawsuit to state court, June 11, 2013
Alan Haley Analyzes Senior District Judge C. Weston Houck’s reasoning in Yesterday’s S.C. Ruling, June 11, 2013
An AP Article””Battle between SC Episcopalians back to State Court, June 11, 2013
A Local Paper Article””Federal judge remands Episcopal Church case back to state court, June 11, 2013
(SC Now) Episcopal case to be tried in state court, June 11, 2013

Entries from June 10
Federal Judge Remands Diocese of SC Case to State Court, June 10, 2013
(Anglican Ink) Federal Judge remands South Carolina Episcopal Case to State Court, June 10, 2013

Entries from June 8
A.S. Haley on the South Carolina Episcopal Contretemps Court Hearing this week, June 8, 2013

Entries from June 6
(AP) Federal court considers S.C. Episcopal division, June 6, 2013
Your Prayers requested for Today’s Hearing in the South Carolina Diocesan Dispute, June 6, 2013
(AP) Federal court hearing set in South Carolina Episcopal schism, June 6, 2013

Entries from June 5
(Island Packet) South Carolina Episcopal diocese alleges retirement savings held hostage, June 5, 2013

Entries from June 3
The Episcopal Church Holds Hostage Pensions of More Than 80 Disassociated Staff Members in S.C., June 3, 2013

Entries from May 30
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, May 30, 2013

Entries from May 28
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (III): Colin Podmore””Beyond Provincialism, May 28, 2013

Entries from May 18
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (II): William Witt””Don’t Cheat the Prophet, May 18, 2013
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (I): Jesse Zink””Why Provinces Matter, May 18, 2013

Entries from April 28
The Sermon of Rob Martin, Anglican Bishop of Marsabit, at the Charleston, S.C., Cathedral recently, April 28, 2013

Entries from April 20
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Newspaper is now available, April 20, 2013

Entries from April 18
A.S. Haley””An Overview of the Complex Situation between TEC and the Dioc. of S.C. in South Carolina, April 18, 2013

Entries from April 17
George Conger Unpacks the South Car. Legal Fracas and the recent WSJ article’s poor Coverage Thereof, April 17, 2013

Entries from April 16
A copy of the Letter the New TEC Bishop in South Carolina sent to Diocese of S.C. clergy, April 16, 2013

Entries from April 15
(WSJ) South Carolina Episcopal Church Fight Heads to Court, April 15, 2013

Entries from April 14
(Christian Post) Bishop of new TEC in S.C. Diocese Sends Letters to Various Ordained Ministers, April 14, 2013

Entries from April 13
A Video of the Four Anglican Bishops visiting Charleston, S.C., this past week, April 13, 2012

Entries from April 12
Anglican Bishops Express Strong Support for Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese of South Carolina, April 12, 2013

Entries from April 10
(The State) South Carolina Episcopal dispute may play out in two courts, April 10, 2013

Entries from April 9
Big Night for the Diocese of S. Carolina””An Evening with Bishops from East Africa, April 9, 2013

Entries from April 5
An ENS Article on the Ongoing Legal toing and Froing in South Carolina, April 5, 2013
Local paper””New TEC Diocese in South Carolina asks for federal jurisdiction, April 5, 2013

Entries from April 1
Local Paper Article””Countersuit filed in [South Carolina] Episcopal dispute, April 1, 2013
TEC counterclaim filed on Maundy Thursday in South Carolina case, April 1, 2013

Entries from March 20
Clergy of the Diocese of South Carolina Renew their Vows, March 20, 2012

Entries from March 16
TEC Lawsuit Asks Federal Judge to Overturn State Court Order and Strip Diocese of SC of its Identity, March 16, 2013

Entries from March 13
Diocese of SC Convention””Remain Steadfast in Faith, Firm in Conviction, Resolute in Will, March 13, 2012

Entries from March 12
Bishop Keith Ackerman’s Sermon at the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina, March 12, 2012

Entries from March 11
Bishop Mark Lawrence’s Address to the 222nd Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina, March 11, 2013
[SC Now] The Diocese of South Carolina Holy Eucharist for the 222nd meeting of the convention, March 11, 2013

Entries from March 10
(SCnow) Diocese of South Carolina””Without TEC, but not without hope, March 10, 2013

Entries from March 9
A Prayer for South Carolina’s Convention Today, March 9, 2013

Entries from March 8
[SC Now Morning News] Episcopal diocese kicks off convention with flair despite national divides, March 8, 2013
Please Pray for the Diocese of South Carolina 222nd Annual Convention today, March 8, 2013
Allan Haley: ECUSA’s Desperation in South Carolina Knows No Bounds, March 8, 2013

Entries from March 5
222nd Annual South Carolina Diocesan Convention to be Held in Florence, March 8-9 later this week, March 5, 2013

Entries from March 2
Three More Diocese of S.C. Parishes Join in Suit to Prevent TEC from Seizing Property, March 2, 2013

Entries from February 28
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, February 28, 2013

Entries from February 24
Old Saint Andrew’s Parish in Charleston, S.C., Votes to Align with Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese, February 24, 2013

Entries from February 16
“In, But Not of, the World” How Far Would You Go to Preserve the Faith You Love so Much?, February 16, 2013

Entries from February 12
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, February 12, 2013

Entries from February 11
South Carolina Episcopal diocese headed to Florence for its Convention, February 11, 2013

Entries from February 8
(Living Church) Eric Turner””Speaking of Reconciliation, February 8, 2013

Entries from February 7
Jack Cranwell offers Thoughts on the South Carolina Episcopal Church Conflict, February 7, 2013

Entries from February 6
James Ueberroth Chimes in on the Presiding Bishop and her recent South Carolina sermon, February 6, 2013
South Carolina Rectors Speak Out Against TEC’s Attempt to Seize Local Property; “Hijack” Identity, February 4, 2013

Entries from February 4
Anglican Unscripted Episode 64, February 4, 2013
(Hilton Island Packet) St. Mark’s Chapel visited by new Episcopal bishop of new S.C. TEC Diocese, February 4, 2013

Entries from February 2
Lowcountry bishop wins skirmish over Episcopal diocese name, January 2, 2013

Entries from February 1
(AP) Judge makes order permanent in SC Episcopal schism, January 1, 2013
Peter Mitchell Chimes in on the Presiding Bishop’s recent South Carolina Sermon, February 1, 2013
A.S. Haley on the Latest in the Ongoing South Carolina Episcopal legal Battle, February 1, 2013

Entries from January 31
TEC Agrees to Injunction that Prohibits Them From Using Diocese of SC Identity, January 31, 2013
Bart Gingerich””Two Very Different Episcopalianisms Meet in Charleston, January 31, 2013

Entries from January 29
An Anglican Ink Article on the Presiding Bishop’s recent sermon in South Carolina, January 29, 2013
(Christian Post) ”˜Continuing Episcopalians’ in Breakaway Diocese Elect Temporary Leader, January 29, 2013
A.S. Haley on the Latest in the Ongoing South Carolina Episcopal Church Mess, January 29, 2013
The AAC’s Phil Ashey Comments on the Presiding Bishop’s recent sermon in South Carolina, January 29, 2013

Entries from January 27
An ENS Article on the new TEC Diocese and its First Bishop, January 27, 2013
TEC Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s Sermon from Yesterday, January 27, 2013
Article from The State Newspaper on the New TEC Diocese in South Carolina and its First Bishop, January 27, 2013
Local Paper Article on the new TEC affiliated South Carolina Diocese and its first Bishop, January 27, 2013

Entries from January 26
A.S. Haley: An Open Letter to my Fellow Episcopalians in South Carolina, January 26, 2013
Bagpiper outside St. Philip’s Charleston SC, January 26, 2013
Frank Larisey””The Episcopal Church conflict in South Carolina is not (primarily) about sex, January 26, 2013
An ENS Article on the South Carolina Order to Refrain from Assuming the Diocese’s Identity, January 26, 2013
Malicious prosecution warnings for Episcopal clergy from a prominent Lawyer and Lay Leader, January 26, 2013
(Ang. Ink) South Carolina TEC loyalists defy ban on using diocesan name and shield, January 26, 2013

Entries from January 25
(Christian Post) Episcopal Leader to Visit ”˜Continuing Episcopalians’ in SC Diocese, January 25, 2013
(AP) Presiding Episcopal Bishop coming to SC, January 25, 2013
Unaffiliated TEC Group in South Carolina Still not Complying with Court Order, January 25, 2013
Local paper””Judge issues restraining order against Episcopal Church, January 25, 2013
(RNS) S.C. Episcopal diocese claims a victory in theology and polity struggle, January 25, 2013
A.S. Haley””SC Circuit Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order to Protect Diocese’s Identity, January 25, 2013

Entries from January 24
(Living Church) Deference vs. Neutral Principles, January 24, 2013

Entries from January 23
Circuit Court Blocks the Use of Diocese of South Carolina Identity By Anyone Outside of the Diocese, January 23, 2013
One S.C. Parish Rector Writes about recent Developments, January 23, 2013
Saint Andrews, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Writes about the recent Lawsuit by S.C. Against TEC, January 23, 2013
(Anglican Ink) 15 more parishes join South Carolina lawsuit against the Episcopal Church, January 23, 2013
(Local Paper) Mere Anglicanism Conference convenes in Charleston, S.C., this week, January 23, 2013

Entries from January 22
Another 15 South Carol. Parishes Join the Diocese Suit to Block TEC from Seizing Local Property

Entries from January 18
Saint Paul’s, Summerville, S.C., joins suit against Episcopal Church, January 18, 2013

Entries from January 16
St. Matthias joins South Carolina lawsuit against The Episcopal Church, January 16, 2013

Entries from January 14
Anglican Unscripted Episode 63, January 14, 2013

Entries from January 12
(AP) Bishop of SC diocese that disaffiliated from TEC says split brings clarity for followers, January 12, 2012
In Total Contrast to TEC, a Presbyterian Story of a genuinely gracious Parting, January 1, 2012

Entries from January 11
An Article from the Local Paper about the proposed new Leader for the yet to be formed TEC diocese, January 11, 2012
Bishop Mark Lawrence writes about the Death of his Mother Berrtha, January 11, 2012
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, January 11, 2013
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Newspaper is now available, January 11, 2013

Entries from January 10
(AP) Bishop nominated for parishes seeking affiliation with TEC in the yet to be established Diocese, January 10, 2013
(ENS) Charles vonRosenberg nominated to be Bishop for a Diocese that Does Not Exist Yet, January 10, 2013
(Onenews Now) Diocese of South Carolina Seeks to Preserve its Freedom, Faith and History, January 10, 2013

Entries from January 9
Diocese of South Carolina””Diocesan Identity/Legal Response Requested to unauthorized email, January 9, 2013

Entries from January 8
An ENS Story on the Lawsuit Between the Diocese of South Carolina and TEC, Jnauary 8, 2013
Dean of Charleston, South Carolina’s, Cathedral discusses lawsuit against Episcopal Church, January 8, 2013

Entries from January 6
Myrtle Beach, Conway parishes join lawsuit against The Episcopal Church, January 6, 2013

Entries from January 5
(Anglican Ink) South Carolina fires first salvo in legal battle with TEC, January 5, 2013
A.S. Haley””DioSC in Preemptive Strike against ECUSA’s Attempted Identity Theft, January 5, 2013
One South Carolina Parish Rector writes his Parish about the new Protection Initiative taken Friday, January 5, 2013
(Orangeburg, S.C. Times and Democrat) South Carolina Episcopal diocese files lawsuit over property, January 5, 2013
Local South Carolina Story on the Diocesan Action Yesterday to prevent a Hostile Takeover, January 5, 2013

Entries from January 4
A Message to Clergy in the Diocese of South Carolina Regarding the Declaratory Judgment, January 4, 2013
(AP) SC Episcopal diocese files lawsuit to protect beliefs, people and heritage, January 4, 2013
RNS Quote of the Day: Episcopal Bishop Mark Lawrence of South Carolina, January 4, 2013
Bishop Mark Lawrence Writes Regarding the Declaratory Judgment, January 4, 2013
S.C. Diocese Seeks Declaratory Judgement to Prevent Episcopal Church from Seizing Local Parishes, January 4, 2013

Entries from December 22
The Diocese of South Carolina is the Only Authority to Convene a Convention in the Diocese, December 22, 2012

Entries from December 21
(Ang. Ink) Global South Coalition states Jefferts Schori’s actions toward S.C. of no legal account, December 21, 2012

Entries from December 19
One South Carolina Rector writes his Parish about Recent Events and Questions about them, December 19, 2012

Entries from December 16
Global South Primates Steering Comm. Recognizes Mark Lawrence’s Oversight in S.C.and the Communion, December 16, 2012

Entries from December 14
(CEN) South Carolina schism descending into farce, December 14, 2012

Entries from December 11
Peter Carrell [NZ]: Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction, December 11, 2012
Anglican Unscripted Episode 59, December 11, 2012
(The State) Lowcountry S.C.congregations wrestle with whether to stay or go, December 11, 2012
(ENS) Presiding bishop to visit South Carolina diocese, December 11, 2012

Entries from December 10
Your Prayers requested for Bishop Lawrence’s mother who is gravely ill, December 10, 2012
The Diocese of South Carolina Responds to the Announcement of a January TEC Meeting, December 10, 2012
Phil Ashey””Canons are Made to be Broken: Anglican Perspective, December 10, 2012

Entries from December 9
Reminder in the Midst of the TEC Disinformation Campaign””Can a Diocese Legally Withdraw from TEC?, December 9, 2012
Mike Clarkson, the Rector of our Saviour, John’s Island, S.C.””Where I Stand on the Diocese of S.C., December 9, 2012
(Anglican Ink) A Note of clarification from the Bishop of Upper South Carolina, December 9, 2012

Entries from December 8
Presiding Bishop of Episcopal Church coming to SC in Jan. 2013 for “Special Convention”, December 8, 2012
Spokesman for Withdrawn S.C. Episcopal Diocese Disputes Renunciation Order, December 8, 2012

Entries from December 7
More from A.S. Haley on South Carolina””But sue, TEC certainly will, December 7, 2012
(Anglican Ink) South Carolina’s sorrow and pity for Katharine Jefferts Schori, December 7, 2012

Entries from December 6
AnglicanTV Interviews South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence about Recent Developments, December 6, 2012
South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence Writes Regarding his Alleged “Renunciation”, December 6, 2012

Entries from December 5
A.S. Haley””The Presiding Bishop Flouts the Canons Again, December 5, 2012
Presiding Bishop Says Mark Lawrence Says what he did not Say, right out of George Orwell, December 5, 2012

Entries from December 4
The Bishop of Upper South Carolina’s Pastoral Letter for Advent 2012, November 4, 2012

Entries from December 2
Anglican Unscripted Episode 58, December 2, 2012

Entries from November 29
Anglican Ink: Loyalist meeting learns Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is behind them, November 29, 2012
A.S. Haley on The Episcopal Church””Dysfunction Everywhere, November 29, 2012

Entries from November 28
Anglican Communion Institute””An Open Letter to the Bishops of The Episcopal Church, November 28, 2012

Entries from November 27
Shay Gaillard on the Diocese of South Carolina Misreporting””Who Is Welcome in the church?, November 27, 2012

Entries from November 26
Another Christian Post Article on the diocese of South Carolina””but please note my correction, November 26, 2012
Robert Barnett isn’t pleased with Bishop Mark Lawrence, November 26, 2012

Entries from November 25
Diocese of South Carolina Announcement in Today’s State Newspaper (Columbia, South Carolina), November 25, 2012

Entries from November 23
(The State) As South Car. Episcopalians move toward split, questions and painful decisions remain, November 23, 2012

Entries from November 21
An ENS story on those in the Diocese of S. Car. opposed to Bishop Lawrence and the recent decisions, November 21st, 2012
Anglican Communion Institute: South Carolina: A Communion Response, November 21st, 2012

Entries from November 20
(Anglican Ink) Church of Eng. will not make any “premature” statement or judgment re:South Carolina November 20th, 2012

Entries from November 18
(Local Paper) Roy Hills on the Dio. of South C.””Diocese has long history of moving away from church, November 18, 2012
(Local Paper) Peter Mitchell on the Dio. of South C.”””˜diverse like me’ mind-set is killing TEC, November 18, 2012
Local Newspaper Article on the Diocese of South Carolina Convention, November 18, 2012

Entries from November 17
Diocese of South Carolina Turns the Page; Looks Forward, November 17, 2012
Bishop Lawrence’s Address to the Special Convention, November 17, 2012
Kendall Harmon””Attempted Liveblog of Bishop Lawrence’s Diocesan Convention Address, November 17, 2012
(ENS) South Carolina convention affirms decision to leave Episcopal Church, November 17, 2012
A Christian Post Story on South Carolina’s Special Convention today, November 17, 2012
A Sumter, South Carolina, Item Story on today’s Special Convention, November 17, 2012
(AP) South Carolina diocese meets after break with national church, November 17, 2012

Entries from November 16
Please Pray for the Diocese of South Carolina Special Convention to be Held Tomorrow, November 16, 2012
An RNS Article on the Diocese of South Carolina Situation Heading into Special Convention Tomorrow, November 16, 2012
A.S. Haley on the Meeting in South Carolina and Two Bishops Letters recently Released, November 16, 2012
AP Article””Clergy and parishes meet; national bishop writes South Carolina Diocese, November 16, 2012
Charleston (South Carolina) Mercury””Taking the pulse of a diocese in conflict, November 16, 2012

Entries from November 15
A Message from Bishop Mark Lawrence to the Diocese of South Carolina, November 15, 2012
Statement from the Communion Partner Bishops on the South Carolina Situation, November 15, 2012
Presiding Bishop issues Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of South Carolina, November 15, 2012
One South Carolina Parish Rector writes his Parish today about recent developments, November 15, 2012

Entries from November 14
(Anglican Communion Institute) Consumed By Litigation: TEC In South Carolina (Part Two)

Entries from November 11
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, November 11
(CEN) Global South backing for the Diocese of South Carolina, November 11

Entries from November 8
(Diocese of SC) Group Attempts to Mislead Clergy; Unauthorized Use of Diocesan Seal and Name, November 8, 2012

[Earlier entries are being reconstructed]

Posted in * Admin, * Anglican - Episcopal, Episcopal Church (TEC), Featured (Sticky), TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

Old Saint Andrew's Parish in Charleston, S.C., Votes to Align with Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

The vote total I am told was 189 to 64.

You can find the parish website here. Please note that on the front page of the website there are four separate links for your perusal, Discernment Schedule, Discernment Meeting January 13th, Discernment Meeting January 20th, and Bishop Lawerence’s Remarks. You may also be interested in the parish newsletter which you cand find there.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, * South Carolina, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, Parish Ministry, Pastoral Theology, Presiding Bishop, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, TEC Polity & Canons, Theology

Kendall Harmon–Throttling the Blog Way Back for Lent 2013

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

In the season of Lent 2013, the Titusonenine blog needs to shift in terms of its focus and character.
There are a number of reasons for this, but let me cite several.

First, I have had a significant change in my personal circumstances. My father, as a number of you know, came down to South Carolina suddenly in 2012, in need of skilled nursing care. Since getting him an original place to be looked after, we wanted to move him closer to ourselves here in Summerville if possible, and recently a spot has opened up at the Presbyterian Home here (they now call themselves “The Village at Summerville”).

Dad has just moved to this new facility in early 2013. He is 80, and neither of us is getting any younger. My wife and I would like to see him more often, and this is a wonderful opportunity.

Also, my right knee has been a continuing and worsening problem. A number of years back I had surgery for a torn meniscus. Then a couple of years ago the pain began to inch up to the point of being more and more of a distraction and obstacle. It was time to go to the doctor (yuck). I have now been to two specialists, both of whom say I need a knee replacement. When this was first proposed, I nearly screamed (by the way I am not getting older and not in denial either [g]). Now that both of them and my wife and my co-worker at the parish where I serve have said it is time, the jig is up. It looks like the procedure will be in the late spring. I need to get ready.

Second, the situation in the diocese is demanding. The conflict with the national Episcopal Church is a real mess and it is not only personally and emotionally draining, it is spiritually challenging. True, is also an opportunity, but I need to retool the engines so to speak in order to live into that possibility.

Thirdly, the parish where I serve is headed into a new Lenten series entitled “into the wilderness.” The more I wrestled and prayed with the theme the more appropriate I sensed it would be for me to be more in the wilderness also in terms of a blog break.

Finally, although I can scarcely believe it, this blog has been in operation for ten years as of next month. Somehow that timing, also, makes this choice appropriate.

In any event, with the exception of some Anglican and South Carolina news and developments, blog posts will focus on theological and devotional topics as well as open threads on edifying discussion topics, and I will be posting occasionally with help from others.

I wish all of you a blessed lent 2013, and ask your prayers for myself, my family and the diocese of South Carolina. Thank you for your readership, participation, and support””KSH.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * By Kendall, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, Blogging & the Internet, Church Year / Liturgical Seasons, Episcopal Church (TEC), Harmon Family, Health & Medicine, Lent, Pastoral Theology, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * South Carolina, Episcopal Church (TEC), Parish Ministry, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

(Living Church) Eric Turner–Speaking of Reconciliation

Posted on February 9, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

In a sermon she preached to Episcopalians in Charleston on Jan. 26, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori chose a regrettable tone in her characterization of people who were, until only recently, fellow Episcopalians….

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, Anthropology, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Ministry of the Ordained, Parish Ministry, Pastoral Theology, Preaching / Homiletics, Presiding Bishop, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

Jack Cranwell offers Thoughts on the South Carolina Episcopal Church Conflict

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

From a letter to the editor in the local paper:

As a 74-year-old lifetime Episcopalian, I am totally disappointed in the direction of our church. For years I’ve prayed for our local and national church and for Presiding Bishop Katharine [Jefferts] Schori. Like many other national churches they have been taught God winks at sin.

The 39 articles of religion clearly teach that the positions of the national church are wrong. I am personally a “grace Christian,” but clearly God does take sin seriously.

God’s will is perfect. We all need forgiveness of sin, and all are called to be new creations.

Repentence and revival is the only hope of the national Episcopal Church.

I will continue to pray for my Bishop Mark Lawrence and hope and pray for a spiritual awakening in the national Episcopal Church.

Jack Cranwell Charleston

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Law & Legal Issues, Presiding Bishop, Religion & Culture, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

James Ueberroth Chimes in on the Presiding Bishop and her recent South Carolina sermon

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

From a letter to the editor in the local paper:

While not in The Post and Courier’s coverage of the activities on Jan. 26, it has been reported in other sources that Katharine [Jefferts] Schori, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, made several pronouncements in her sermon during Saturday’s “convention” which I find to be highly inflammatory and quite offensive.
First, she has labeled my bishop, who was duly elected to the office and removed from same by a trumped-up ploy, a “tyrant.” I have heard this man preach, watched recorded interviews with him and followed his actions. If I may be audacious and paraphrase Piiate’s words – I find him to have done no wrong.
Second, as an Episcopalian who has spent his entire life in the faith – choirboy, acolyte, vestryman, member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and an elected delegate to a diocesan convention, I feel I am not only well-grounded in the faith, but have grown through the years in my faith which remains relevant in today’s world. I am highly offended that because I do not view the world through her skewed vision, nor accept her warped goals for the future, I am to be labeled a member of the ovine species.
Following her nefarious actions of October 2012, I have moved on and have found a far greener and acceptable meadow for grazing and growing my spiritual well-being.

James Ueberroth, Charleston

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * South Carolina, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Ministry of the Ordained, Parish Ministry, Preaching / Homiletics, Presiding Bishop, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

South Carolina Rectors Speak Out Against TEC's Attempt to Seize Local Property; "Hijack" Identity

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

“We feel that we must take this action as TEC is already using our name, Diocesan seal and other marks of our identity to impersonate us publicly, and is organizing in South Carolina, all with the stated goal of taking over this Diocese and her parishes, including Prince George. Not to take action is simply bad stewardship of the Gospel and of churches like ours which were established and maintained over the centuries by our ancestors as centers of traditional, biblical Christian faith, and without any financial support from The Episcopal Church. This and many other parishes joining the suit are among the oldest operating churches in the nation. They and the Diocese of South Carolina pre-date the establishment of The Episcopal Church. Yet, TEC has declared its intent to take our property.”
””The Rev. Paul Fuener , Rector, Prince George Winyah, Georgetown

Read it all.
_____________________________________

Several Rectors of congregations participating in the lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment from the courts have spoken out against The Episcopal Church’s attempt to seize their properties. The lawsuit seeks to protect the Diocese’s real and personal property and that of its parishes. It also asks the court to prevent The Episcopal Church from infringing on the protected marks of the Diocese, including its seal and its historical names, and to prevent the church from assuming the Diocese’s identity, which was established long before The Episcopal Church’s creation.

“We are guarding our church and parish house, which our ancestors built and maintained quite apart from any financial support from The Episcopal Church. For nearly 200 years, this church has been gathering in this building to worship the Lord, and going from this building to love and serve, in the name of the Lord, our neighbors in the heart of Charleston. And now The Episcopal Church would take our building from us and hinder this ongoing mission? We have received the Faith once delivered to the Apostles. It is not ours to alter, but rather to steward, and more importantly, to pass on to generations to come. It seems reasonable to expect that we should be able to do this without the threat of having our property taken from us by The Episcopal Church because we refuse to accept innovations which we find repugnant to the Faith once delivered.”
””The Very Rev. Peet Dickinson, Dean, The Cathedral of Saint Luke and Saint Paul, Charleston

“Though our hope that the theological differences between the Diocese of South Carolina and The Episcopal Church would be resolved without recourse to the courts seems to have been in vain, we are mindful yet that it is never too late for a miracle. Absent divine intervention, we will stand with the Diocese and upon the legacy of Anglican faith in this area which traces its heritage to 1767. The Church of the Cross will not be deterred from its mission and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ by this or any other matter. We are a great and growing diverse congregation of almost 1700 folks of all ages who know the power of the Holy Spirit, joyfully worship, humbly repent and gratefully thank the Lord for our many blessings. Those interested in partnering for the spread of the Gospel are invited to join us.”
””The Rev. Charles Owens, Rector, The Church of the Cross, Bluffton

“The issue for us is one of protection””the buildings and the land are assets for Gospel ministry. They were paid for by members of this parish””past and present. No outside group should determine their usage. Our Diocese and many of the parishes joining this suit pre-date the establishment of The Episcopal Church. Now, that same church has made plain its intent to claim our property. For me, Religious Freedom is at the heart of what we are willing to defend. My forebears””French Huguenots””left France in 1687 under immense religious persecution to come to the Carolina colony to freely practice their faith. Most of those original Huguenots are a part of the Anglican churches today that want that same freedom guaranteed.”
””The Rev. Shay Gaillard, Rector, The Church of the Good Shepherd, Charleston

“We have decided to take this drastic action in order to protect our name and property. The Church of Our Saviour was started over 30 years ago to serve Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns Island. The land, building and reputation were built by Islanders for themselves and those who would come here in the future. The Episcopal Church provided no financial support, no encouragement and no resource in this effort. In contrast, we are grateful to our Diocese for their help at every step of our growth. It is beyond imagining that The Episcopal Church has announced its intent to take our property and our very identity.”
””The Rev. Michael Clarkson, Rector, The Church of Our Saviour, Kiawah, Seabrook and Johns Islands

“We feel that we must take this action as TEC is already using our name, Diocesan seal and other marks of our identity to impersonate us publicly, and is organizing in South Carolina, all with the stated goal of taking over this Diocese and her parishes, including Prince George. Not to take action is simply bad stewardship of the Gospel and of churches like ours which were established and maintained over the centuries by our ancestors as centers of traditional, biblical Christian faith, and without any financial support from The Episcopal Church. This and many other parishes joining the suit are among the oldest operating churches in the nation. They and the Diocese of South Carolina pre-date the establishment of The Episcopal Church. Yet, TEC has declared its intent to take our property.”
””The Rev. Paul Fuener , Rector, Prince George Winyah, Georgetown

“In 1857, the parishioners of the Church of the Redeemer built our first building on Boulevard across from the railroad tracks. In 1891 they put the church on logs and rolled it to its present site on Russell St. Over the years they bricked it in and added other buildings and improvements. In all of these efforts, the Episcopal Church never gave them a dime. And they claim that they own our property now? No way! We in the Diocese of South Carolina, as well as here at the Redeemer, have always practiced a conservative, Bible-believing, traditional, orthodox faith. It is the Episcopal Church which has left the faith in the dust; they have changed, while we have remained faithful. Jesus Christ is Our Lord and Savior, and we follow Him in the power of His Holy Spirit as we strive to do ministry in His Name. All are welcome to join us in worshipping and serving Him.”
””The Rev. Dr. Frank E. Larisey, Rector, Church of the Redeemer, Orangeburg

“We are not bringing suit in an attempt to take anything away from the National Episcopal Church. We are seeking a declaratory judgment from the Courts as to who is the rightful owner of these historic buildings. We are trying to protect our church and other parish buildings, which were built and paid for by the sacrifice and labor of our founders and all who have worked and worshipped in this place for nearly 150 years. At no point in our history has the National Church contributed financially to the building or maintenance of any of our church buildings, facilities, or ministries. We simply desire the Court to decide and declare the rightful owners of this property. Many of our parishes and the Diocese of South Carolina pre-date the establishment of The Episcopal Church. Yet, the National Church has announced its intent to take our property. We are only trying to be good stewards of that which has been entrusted to us by those who have gone before and ensure that the mission and ministry of St. John’s Parish begun here in 1866 might continue for generations to come.”
””The Rev. Ken Weldon, Rector, St. John’s Church, Florence

“We at St Luke’s Church are seeking to protect our Sanctuary and buildings as well as our land. The land was granted to us by Sea Pines Development Company and all of our buildings were paid for by our church family with no help from any outside source, said Greg Kronz, Rector of St. Luke’s Church of Hilton Head. We are choosing to go along with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina and are joining many other parishes to protect our Diocese and other parishes from potential take-over of property or litigation from the National Episcopal Church. Our church and a number of the parishes in our Diocese as well as our Diocese itself pre-dates the establishment of The Episcopal Church. Our Bishop, Mark Lawrence, called as Bishop of our Diocese, has endeavored to guard and protect the churches in the Diocese so that they have the freedom to practice our Christian Faith as Anglicans grounded in the word of God. We will not be threatened or held hostage by the possibility of changing our beliefs or losing our property.” ”¨
””The Rev. Greg Kronz, Rector, St. Luke’s Church, Hilton Head

“Ever since the Cornerstone of St. Michael’s Church was put into the earth in the 1700s, we have been ambassadors of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as a mission station on the corner of Meeting Street and Broad. A plaque on Meeting Street describes St. Michael’s as a ”˜Monument to the past and a movement to the future.’ To be faithful to our ancestors and, at the same time, be a mission station today to our city and beyond, it means we can no longer participate in nor support The Episcopal Church whose teachings are contrary to the Bible and Book of Common Prayer. We also cannot allow The Episcopal Church to force us to adopt doctrines and policies that go against everything for which our Cornerstone stands.”
””The Rev. Alfred T.K. Zadig, Jr., Rector, St. Michael’s Church, Charleston

“We have historic and new buildings on our campus worth millions of dollars sacrificially paid for by members of St. Paul’s Summerville””none of these present buildings built between 1857 and 2003 received any financial contribution from The Episcopal Church headquartered in New York City. Like many of our fellow Low Country parishes, we are one of the oldest churches in the nation dating to our establishment in 1707 as a Church of England parish on the banks of the Stono River. We have re-located three times during our three centuries of existence following the inland 18th and 19th century population migration until settling at our present location on West Carolina Avenue in Summerville. Like the Diocese of South Carolina and other parishes we pre-date the establishment of The Episcopal Church by several decades. We will protect our property from any forced take-over by others. We are Anglicans of Scripture, Tradition and Reason and find the present trajectory of The Episcopal Church contrary to our Biblical beliefs as well as the Tradition established through the ages of how much latitude one is allowed to interpret Scripture’s plain sense.”
””The Rev. Michael Lumpkin, Rector, St. Paul’s Church, Summerville

“It is our responsibility to preserve and protect our historic buildings and holdings for the benefit of our congregation. The majority of what we have we inherited from the faithful that have gone before us, who paid for these treasures with their blood, sweat, tears, personal sacrifices and finances. The Episcopal Church has never given us financial support and we deny that they may have gained any right to our assets through some clever and deceptive declaration of their own device. The Protestant Episcopal Church of the Parish of St. Philip was created as a corporate entity in 1785 by the then-newly formed Legislature of the State of South Carolina, before there was a Diocese of South Carolina and before there was a national Episcopal organization. Our roots run deep in the cause for religious and political freedom and we are unwilling to abandon our precious heritage by capitulating to TEC even though they wield massive financial power and are determined to defeat us in the courts. We pray that God will protect us as He protected young David when he confronted the giant Goliath.”
””The Rev. Haden McCormick, Rector, St. Philip’s Church, Charleston

“Trinity was founded by faithful congregants in Myrtle Beach. It has been built by their own sacrifice of time and money without any aid from The Episcopal Church. While Trinity is one of the newer churches in the Diocese, many of the churches joining in the petition predate the formation of The Episcopal Church. Trinity is joining in this suit to preserve our freedom of conscience. We are not seeking to take anything from The Episcopal Church. We simply want the freedom to be faithful to Christ as we see fit without outside interference and we’re asking the courts to aid us in that. In Acts 25, the Apostle Paul was under persecution from the religious authorities of his day. He appealed to Caesar in the hopes that he would have a fair hearing from an impartial party. That is what we are doing here.”
””The Rev. Iain Boyd, Rector, Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach

“All Saints was founded in 1957 as a plant from St. John’s Episcopal Church and was financed, nurtured, and cared for by St. John’s, the community of Florence, and the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. In her 57 years, All Saints affiliation with the Diocese has never changed and our support of Bishop Mark Lawrence is unwavering. Joining the suit against The Episcopal Church is not just a show of solidarity, but a proclamation of our belief in the sacredness of scripture, the uniqueness of Christ, and the apostolic teaching we have received for almost 2000 years. Our actions today are also made in response to how The Episcopal Church has aggressively pursued in court those who have spoken out against their heretical views and the idea that they own our property and buildings. It is our belief and the belief of our Diocese that our property belongs to the parishioners of All Saints who have freely and sacrificially given of their resources so that All Saints can be a catalyst for the spread the Gospel in Florence and beyond.”
”” The Rev. Karl Burns, All Saints Church, Florence

“We, the people of Saint James Church, James Island, believe that we are called by God to clearly, unequivocally, and completely disassociate ourselves from The Episcopal Church whose recent actions have called into question long-standing Christian beliefs. By joining this suit, we are not only demonstrating our support for the Diocese, but our continued commitment to the fundamental beliefs shared by our Bishop Mark Lawrence and other Anglicans around the world. Unfortunately, The Episcopal Church has been very aggressive in suing those who disagree with its unorthodox theology, however, there can be no question that our Parish property belongs to our members and not to some voluntary association that has abandoned the fundamental beliefs of Anglicanism. This suit will prove that point.”
”” The Rev. Arthur Jenkins, Rector, Saint James Church, James Island

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Law & Legal Issues, Parish Ministry, Presiding Bishop, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, TEC Polity & Canons, Theology

Anglican Unscripted Episode 64

Posted on February 4, 2013 by The_Elves

‘In this week’s episode of Anglican Unscripted your hosts discuss the adventure (misadventures) of Presiding Bishop Jefferts-Schori as she descended onto the city of Charleston last week. Allan Haley examines the legal details of the preemptive strike launched against TEC and Schori and how this battle was won. There is also much international news with stories on Egypt and Nigeria and no AU is complete without a story from Canterbury with Peter Ould – this time he talks about the coming wave of Same-Sex Marriage in England’

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, Episcopal Church (TEC), TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

(Hilton Island Packet) St. Mark's Chapel visited by new Episcopal bishop of new S.C. TEC Diocese

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

St. Mark’s Chapel in Port Royal took a step closer to its goal of joining the national Episcopal Church on Sunday when a newly appointed bishop visited the congregation and performed the first confirmations of his tenure.

The Right Rev. Charles vonRosenberg, who recently was appointed provisional bishop of the South Carolina parishes remaining with the national church, joined in the service at Union Church on 11th Street and was celebrated afterward at a reception at The Shed in Port Royal.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, Episcopal Church (TEC), Parish Ministry, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

Lowcountry bishop wins skirmish over Episcopal diocese name

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

[Bishop Mark] Lawrence spokeswoman Jan Pringle said in a statement that the injunction will remain in effect until the court rules on the property dispute “to protect the Diocese’s real, personal and intellectual property and that of its parishes from a TEC takeover.”

While Lawrence’s group viewed the decision as a validation, the TEC congregations noted, “This was done with the consent of all parties, and either side has the right to have a hearing on the matter with 14 days’ notice.”

“This is not an unusual development, and it signifies only that these issues remain to be decided at a future time,” said Holly Behre, communications director for The Episcopal Church in South Carolina.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, Presiding Bishop, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

(AP) Judge makes order permanent in SC Episcopal schism

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein issued a permanent injunction Thursday ruling only churches that left The Episcopal Church last year may use the name the Diocese of South Carolina.

The use of the name and the diocesan seal has been in dispute since parishes in the eastern and lower part of the state left the national church in a dispute over the ordination of gays and other issues.

Following the split with the national church, the Diocese of South Carolina sued, seeking not only to protect its name but also a half-billion of church property it says belongs to the diocese, not the national church.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: Central New York, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

Peter Mitchell Chimes in on the Presiding Bishop's recent South Carolina Sermon

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

From a letter to the editor in the local paper:

I was saddened and appalled, but not surprised, by the vindictive and mean-spirited language Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori used in her sermon on Saturday.

Alluding to Bishop Mark Lawrence as a “tyrant” and comparing him to “citizens’ militias deciding to patrol … the Mexican border for unwelcome visitors” was unconscionable.

And to say, “It’s not terribly far from the state of mind evidenced in school shootings, or in those who want to arm school children, or the terrorism that takes oil workers hostage,” was despicable.
That any Christian, much less a presiding bishop, would use such invective and incendiary words says more about the speaker than the person she is attempting to vilify.

However, she is the same person who has spent over $22 million to sue churches over their property, who refused to sell a church back to its congregation and instead sold it to a Muslim organization, and who sued beloved, retired bishops because they challenged her authority.

It is not surprising that the fruits of Bishop Jefferts Schori’s leadership of TEC are a significant decline in members, controversy and confrontation with the majority of the Anglican Communion, and financial problems resulting in the need to sell prized land in Manhattan.

“They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love” has been a favorite hymn of mine for over 50 years.

It is also a good barometer of a person’s Christian character. The language used by Jefferts Schori from the pulpit is as unloving and un-Christian as it gets.

Still, as one who believes in a forgiving God and in spiritual transformation, I will continue to pray that TEC and Jefferts Schori may be inspired and imbued with the Holy Spirit and in the process may rise above petty name-calling and invective and embrace the love of Christ in what they say and do.

Dr. Peter T. Mitchell

Broad Street

Georgetown

I will take comments on this submitted by email only to at KSHarmon[at]mindspring[dot]com.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, * Culture-Watch, * South Carolina, - Anglican: Commentary, Adult Education, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Law & Legal Issues, Ministry of the Ordained, Parish Ministry, Pastoral Theology, Preaching / Homiletics, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

A.S. Haley on the Latest in the Ongoing South Carolina Episcopal Legal Battle

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

This is a highly unusual development, and will doubtless sow consternation among the SCEpiscopalians and their ilk: It shows that Chancellor Tisdale can read the writing on the wall, and knows that ECUSA cannot succeed in any plan to assume the DSC’s identity through its own actions. Since the injunction now accomplishes nearly all of the objectives Bishop Lawrence had when he authorized the lawsuit (all that remains is a judgment declaring that his Diocese is the lawful and exclusive owner of the registered marks), it will be interesting to see whether or not ECUSA stipulates to the entry of such a final judgment in the weeks ahead. In short, there is nothing left worth litigating. Yes, ECUSA reserved the right to request a modification in the injunction, but at most it would be only to tinker with the fine points (and I can’t think of any). That stipulation was probably included to assuage Mr. Tisdale’s clients.

Where things will go from here is now the question. Bishop vonRosenberg has his work cut out for him — he has to walk a tightrope between keeping the Presiding Bishop happy, and not violating the injunction in any way.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, * South Carolina, - Anglican: Analysis, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Law & Legal Issues, Presiding Bishop, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

TEC Agrees to Injunction that Prohibits Them From Using Diocese of SC Identity

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

St. George, SC, January 31 – The Episcopal Church (TEC) opted to forgo court on Friday and not put up a fight as South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane S. Goodstein today issued a Temporary Injunction to replace the Temporary Restraining Order she signed on January 23 to block TEC, its continuing parishes, individuals, organizations or any entity associated with it from, using, assuming or adopting, in any way, directly or indirectly, the registered names and the seal or mark of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

South Carolina Links

Posted on February 1, 2013 by The_Elves

This post is “sticky” – look for new entries below. last update: October 13th, 2013 at 11:30 AM UK / 6:30 AM Eastern
You can find all the latest official news from the Diocese of South Carolina here and all T19 posts about the conflict in South Carolina using this link TEC Conflicts: South Carolina category

Videos for Mere Anglicanism 2013 are here

LATEST:
(Local Paper) Historic S.C. Diocese retains right to use names and seal, new TEC Diocese Can’t, October , 2013
Judge Rejects TEC’s Request to Remove Injunction Protecting S.C. Diocesan Names and Seal. October 11, 2013
Prayers Requested for the Diocese of South Carolina. October 11, 2013
Diocese of South Carolina””The real story behind our withdrawal from The Episcopal Church, October 3, 2013
Judge Denies TEC Request to Expand South Carolina Lawsuit, October 3, 2013
A.S. Haley on the recent TEC House of Bishops Meeting””Fiddling While Rome Burns, September 28, 2012
(ACNA via Anglican Ink) Assorted South Carolina Bishops meet, September 20, 2013
Crucial Documentation available to Readers””TEC’s so called “Expert” under Fire from the Quincy Case, September 20, 2013
A.S. Haley on the Latest South Carolina TEC Legal Maneuver to Appeal Judge Houck’s Decision, September 19, 2013
The ENS Article on the legal request of the new S.C. TEC Bishop to reconsider dismissal, September 19, 2013
(AP) Bishop of the new TEC South Carolina Diocese asks the judge to reconsider in Episcopal case, September 19, 2013
Where I am going this Evening with Bishop Mark Lawrence, September 18, 2013
Flashback Bishop Jefferts Schori Supported the Authority of Diocesan Bishop, September 16, 2013
Reformed Episcopal Church Diocese of the Southeast Expresses Support for the Diocese of S. Carolina, September 15, 2013
A Local Paper Profile of South Carolina Diocesan Bishop Mark Lawrence, September 15, 2013
ACI – Affidavit of Mark McCall on TEC’s Polity, September 14, 2013
Over 85 Clergy Gather for Diocese of South Carolina Clergy Day, September 13, 2013
Your Prayers requested for Today’s Clergy Day in the Diocese of South Carolina, September 12, 2013
A.S. Haley””Decision in Quincy: ECUSA Has no Rule against Dioceses Withdrawing, September 10, 2013
(Diocese of South Carolina) La Iglesia de San Juan””The Church On the Move, September 10, 2013
Worried new S.C. TEC Diocese Brings in Bishops in visits to New Parish, September 9, 2013
A Local Paper Article on the Bishop of the new TEC Diocese in S.C., Charles vonRosenberg, September 9, 2013

Full chronological entry listings are continued here and Click below to see an index of Key Entries and all the recent stories and documents.
[Note: due to capacity limits on this entry, the chronological list of past entries has been moved to a dedicated separate post here – most recent entries are still available below]

Myrtle Beach Episcopalians take first step toward new parish in new TEC Diocese, September 6, 2013
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Newspaper is now available, September 5, 2013

A Local Paper Article on the new TEC Diocese in South Carolina’s recent action, August 31, 2013
(AP) Judge: South Carolina Episcopal issues belong in state court, August 27, 2013

(Anglican Ink) Trademark violation lawsuit against Mark Lawrence dismissed, August 25th, 2013
Local Paper Article””Federal judge dismisses Episcopal Church complaint, August 24, 2013
A.S. Haley””Court Dismisses Federal Trademark Action against S.C.”˜s Bishop Lawrence, August 24, 2013
Federal Judge Dismisses Case Against Bishop Mark Lawrence, August 23, 2013
(CEN) South Carolina clergy deposed by TEC, August 19, 2013
A.S. Haley””More Episcopal Church related Court Proceedings in South Carolina, August 12, 2013
Court Battle Over Who Is Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina After Schism, August 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm
(Diocese of SC) Judge Houck Hears Arguments in Motion to Dismiss, August 9, 2013 at 1:34 pm
(AP) Judge again weighs issues in South Carolina Episcopal schism, August 9, 2013 at 6:00 am
(AP) Attorneys back in court today in South Carolina Episcopal schism, August 8, 2013 at 6:20 am
An AP profile of the Bishop of SC churches remaining with the national Episcopal Church, August 3, 2013 at 2:30 pm
David Faulkner (Diocese of Dallas TEC priest) Chimes in, July 13, 2013 at 7:26 pm
(Living Church) Mark McCall””A Provisional Solution for South Carolina, July 2, 2013 at 4:05 pm

A PR from the brand New TEC Diocese in South Carolina on the recent Legal Ruling, June 12, 2013
An ENS Article: Federal judge remands lawsuit to state court, June 11, 2013
Alan Haley Analyzes Senior District Judge C. Weston Houck’s reasoning in Yesterday’s S.C. Ruling, June 11, 2013
An AP Article””Battle between SC Episcopalians back to State Court, June 11, 2013
A Local Paper Article””Federal judge remands Episcopal Church case back to state court, June 11, 2013
(SC Now) Episcopal case to be tried in state court, June 11, 2013
Federal Judge Remands Diocese of SC Case to State Court, June 10, 2013
(Anglican Ink) Federal Judge remands South Carolina Episcopal Case to State Court, June 10, 2013

A.S. Haley on the South Carolina Episcopal Contretemps Court Hearing this week, June 8, 2013
(AP) Federal court considers S.C. Episcopal division, June 6, 2013
Your Prayers requested for Today’s Hearing in the South Carolina Diocesan Dispute, June 6, 2013
(AP) Federal court hearing set in South Carolina Episcopal schism, June 6, 2013
(Island Packet) South Carolina Episcopal diocese alleges retirement savings held hostage, June 5, 2013
The Episcopal Church Holds Hostage Pensions of More Than 80 Disassociated Staff Members in S.C., June 3, 2013
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Enewsletter, May 30, 2013
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (III): Colin Podmore””Beyond Provincialism, May 28, 2013
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (II): William Witt””Don’t Cheat the Prophet, May 18, 2013
Living Church Essays on South Carolina (I): Jesse Zink””Why Provinces Matter, May 18, 2013
The Sermon of Rob Martin, Anglican Bishop of Marsabit, at the Charleston, S.C., Cathedral recently, April 28, 2013
The Latest Edition of the Diocese of South Carolina Newspaper is now available, April 20, 2013
A.S. Haley””An Overview of the Complex Situation between TEC and the Dioc. of S.C. in South Carolina, April 18, 2013
George Conger Unpacks the South Car. Legal Fracas and the recent WSJ article’s poor Coverage Thereof, April 17, 2013
A copy of the Letter the New TEC Bishop in South Carolina sent to Diocese of S.C. clergy, April 16, 2013
(WSJ) South Carolina Episcopal Church Fight Heads to Court, April 15, 2013
(Christian Post) Bishop of new TEC in S.C. Diocese Sends Letters to Various Ordained Ministers, April 14, 2013
A Video of the Four Anglican Bishops visiting Charleston, S.C., this past week, April 13, 2012
Anglican Bishops Express Strong Support for Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese of South Carolina, April 12, 2013
(The State) South Carolina Episcopal dispute may play out in two courts, April 10, 2013
Big Night for the Diocese of S. Carolina””An Evening with Bishops from East Africa, April 9, 2013
An ENS Article on the Ongoing Legal toing and Froing in South Carolina, April 5, 2013
Local paper””New TEC Diocese in South Carolina asks for federal jurisdiction, April 5, 2013
Local Paper Article””Countersuit filed in [South Carolina] Episcopal dispute, April 1, 2013
TEC counterclaim filed on Maundy Thursday in South Carolina case, April 1, 2013

***
COMPLETE INDEX:

Obviously the latest events are part of a long running series of attacks by the national office upon the dioceses and the constitution of The Episcopal Church and the index posts relating to
1. the earlier attacks on South Carolina may be found here, and
2. the attacks on the Communion Partner Bishops and dioceses and Dr Philip Turner [still unresolved officially] here, and
3. General Convention 2012 resolutions and events here

You can find all the latest news from the Diocese of South Carolina here

Other Key Documents
A copy of the Letter the New TEC Bishop in South Carolina sent to Diocese of S.C. clergy, April 16, 2013
Old Saint Andrew’s Parish in Charleston, S.C., Votes to Align with Bishop Lawrence and the Diocese, February 24, 2013
Unaffiliated TEC Group in South Carolina Still not Complying with Court Order, January 25, 2013
Global South Primates Steering Comm. Recognizes Mark Lawrence’s Oversight in S.C.and the Communion, December 16, 2012
Presiding Bishop of Episcopal Church coming to SC in Jan. 2013 for “Special Convention”, December 8, 2012
Spokesman for Withdrawn S.C. Episcopal Diocese Disputes Renunciation Order, December 8, 2012
More from A.S. Haley on South Carolina””But sue, TEC certainly will, December 7, 2012
(Anglican Ink) South Carolina’s sorrow and pity for Katharine Jefferts Schori, December 7, 2012

A.S. Haley””The Presiding Bishop Flouts the Canons Again, December 5, 2012
Presiding Bishop Says Mark Lawrence Says what he did not Say, right out of George Orwell, December 5, 2012
Anglican Communion Institute””An Open Letter to the Bishops of The Episcopal Church, November 28, 2012
(Anglican Ink) Church of Eng. will not make any “premature” statement or judgment re:South Carolina November 20th, 2012
A.S. Haley on the Meeting in South Carolina and Two Bishops Letters recently Released, November 16, 2012
(Anglican Communion Institute) Consumed By Litigation: TEC In South Carolina (Part Two), November 14, 2012
Anglican Communion Institute””Consumed By Litigation: TEC In South Carolina, November 12, 2012
Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans (FCA) Primates Write in Support of Bishop Lawrence, October 31, 2012
Letter of Support from Global South Primates Steering Committee to Bishop Mark Lawrence October 25, 2012

Letters from Bishops and Clergy
Peter Mitchell Chimes in on the Presiding Bishop’s recent South Carolina Sermon, February 1, 2013
One S.C. Parish Rector Writes about recent Developments, January 23, 2013
Saint Andrews, Mount Pleasant, S.C., Writes about the recent Lawsuit by S.C. Against TEC, January 23, 2013
One South Carolina Parish Rector writes his Parish about the new Protection Initiative taken Friday, January 5, 2013
One South Carolina Rector writes his Parish about Recent Events and Questions about them, December 19, 2012
Global South Primates Steering Comm. Recognizes Mark Lawrence’s Oversight in S.C.and the Communion, December 16, 2012
Mike Clarkson, the Rector of our Saviour, John’s Island, S.C.””Where I Stand on the Diocese of S.C., December 9, 2012
Anglican Communion Institute””An Open Letter to the Bishops of The Episcopal Church, November 28, 2012
Shay Gaillard on the Diocese of South Carolina Misreporting””Who Is Welcome in the church?, November 27, 2012
A Message from Bishop Mark Lawrence to the Diocese of South Carolina, November 15, 2012
Statement from the Communion Partner Bishops on the South Carolina Situation, November 15, 2012
Presiding Bishop issues Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of South Carolina, November 15, 2012
One South Carolina Parish Rector writes his Parish today about recent developments, November 15, 2012
The Bishop of Springfield on the Diocese of South Carolina/Mark Lawrence Developments, October 29, 2012
The Bishop of Georgia on the Diocese of South Carolina/Mark Lawrence Developments October 29, 2012
Bishop William Love of Albany””Response to the Inhibition of Bishop Mark Lawrence of South Carolina October 29, 2012
Another South Carolina Rector Writes his Parish About recent Developments (2) October 26, 2012
Another South Carolina Rector Writes his Parish About recent Developments October 26, 2012
The Rector of Saint Michael’s Charleston, S.C., writes his Parish About recent Developments October 23, 2012

[Earlier entries are being reconstructed]

Posted in * Admin, * Anglican - Episcopal, * South Carolina, Episcopal Church (TEC), Featured (Sticky), TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, TEC Polity & Canons, Theology

Bart Gingerich–Two Very Different Episcopalianisms Meet in Charleston

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Last week, orthodox Christians convened at the historical St. Philip’s Church to participate in theological discussions at the Mere Anglicanism Conference. Most of the attendees expressed support for the Diocese of South Carolina under Bishop Mark Lawrence, which has been forced out of the Episcopal Church through heavy-handed persecution against traditional Christians within the denomination. Ironically, revisionist Episcopalians met only eight blocks away to reorganize the rump diocese loyal to the national Episcopal Church, USA under Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori.

Mere Anglicanism started off on January 24th with a traditional evensong from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer with the Rev. Dr. Leander Harding of Trinity School of Ministry acting as officiant. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Barnett lectured the next morning on five epiphanies that convinced him of the historicity of Christ. The former Anglican Bishop of North Sydney emphasized the powerful manuscript evidence, the archaeological-geographical credibility of the Biblical record, the multiple attestation to miracles, and the existence of external hostile sources. He likewise excoriated the textual skepticism and deconstructionism that dominates many seminaries today. “The health in the seminary influences the health of the ministers, and the health in the ministers influences the health in the churches,” he surmised.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * South Carolina, - Anglican: Analysis, Christology, Episcopal Church (TEC), Presiding Bishop, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

An Anglican Ink Article on the Presiding Bishop's recent sermon in South Carolina

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

A spokesman for Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has denied suggestions that her sermon denouncing as terrorists and murderers those who did not share her views on the polity of the Episcopal Church was directed at Bishop Mark J. Lawrence or the members of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.

Speaking to national church loyalists at a special convention held 26 Jan 2013 at Grace Church in Charleston, Bishop Jefferts Schori characterized her opponents as “wolves” and false shepherds….

Bishop Lawrence told AI the presiding bishop’s remarks were unhelpful.

“One of the things I said to the Presiding Bishop when last we spoke is that if she and I could refrain from demonizing one another, regardless of what others around us are saying, we might get somewhere. Based on the words and argument of her recent sermon for the New TEC Diocese in South Carolina, I guess she wasn’t able to do it,” Bishop Lawrence said.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, Parish Ministry, Pastoral Theology, Preaching / Homiletics, Presiding Bishop, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

(Christian Post) 'Continuing Episcopalians' in Breakaway Diocese Elect Temporary Leader

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

Last week, Circuit Court Judge Diane S. Goodstein issued an order stopping the continuing Episcopalians from using the diocesan name and seal. Jeff Walton, Anglican Program director at the Institute on Religion & Democracy, told CP that the continuing Episcopalians are free to find new leadership.

“Those who have chosen to remain connected to the national denomination are entitled to organize a new diocese and elect their own leaders ”“ this is not in dispute,” said Walton. “What continuing Episcopalians cannot do is attempt to assume the identity of the departing Diocese of South Carolina. The Diocese is a legally incorporated entity with its own elected officers, registered names and seal.”

Regarding whether or not the temporary order would become a longer term injunction come a hearing on Friday, Walton told CP that he felt the breakaway Diocese’s case was strong. “In some churches, this would be resolved as a disappointing but ultimately civil divorce. Unfortunately, the national Episcopal Church has adopted a ‘scorched earth’ policy with litigation against any parish or diocese that chooses to depart the denomination,” said Walton.

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, Episcopal Church (TEC), Law & Legal Issues, Presiding Bishop, TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

A.S. Haley on the Latest in the Ongoing South Carolina Episcopal Church Mess

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

…then a true confusion results: since the remnant group sees themselves as “the Episcopal Church in South Carolina”, and are indifferent to using the adjective “Protestant”, they could not distinguish themselves from a group which called itself “the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, also known as the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina.” The former group sees the word “Protestant” as outdated, and superfluous to their identity, while the latter group sees the word as referring to the tradition they still uphold, and hence as still descriptive of their identity. Neither group rejects the adjective as part of their heritage.

The confusion appears to be intended, and not accidental. The “omission” of the single word “Diocese” from their official title turns out to have been a sham. An examination of the remnant group’s Website demonstrates that it has not really tried to comply with the TRO, even after the changes made to it on the surface. If one visits their website and chooses the browser option “View Page Source”, the following lines of code are right at the very top

Read it all.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Culture-Watch, - Anglican: Analysis, Episcopal Church (TEC), Ethics / Moral Theology, House of Deputies President, Law & Legal Issues, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina, Theology

The AAC's Phil Ashey Comments on the Presiding Bishop's recent sermon in South Carolina

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Kendall Harmon

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Katharine Jefferts Schori, recently addressed a gathering in the Diocese of South Carolina. During her sermon, Jefferts Schori said the following:

…I tell you that story because it’s indicative of attitudes we’ve seen here and in many other places. Somebody decides he knows the law, and oversteps whatever authority he may have to dictate the fate of others who may in fact be obeying the law, and often a law for which this local tyrant is not the judge. It’s not too far from that kind of attitude to citizens’ militias deciding to patrol their towns or the Mexican border for unwelcome visitors. It’s not terribly far from the state of mind evidenced in school shootings, or in those who want to arm school children, or the terrorism that takes oil workers hostage….

Read and watch it all.

I will take comments on this submitted by email only to at KSHarmon[at]mindspring[dot]com.

Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, * Christian Life / Church Life, Episcopal Church (TEC), Parish Ministry, Preaching / Homiletics, Presiding Bishop, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: South Carolina

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