But for some lifelong Episcopalians the national church is moving too far and too fast.
“It’s like a friend of mine said, before 2003, I was sitting on the front row, after 2003, I was sitting in the middle, and after this General Convention, I’m sitting on the back pew, with one eye on the door,” said David Keller, a member of Christ Church in Greenville.
Keller led the 1994 diocesan nominating committee in that selected Henderson as bishop of the Upper Diocese. But Keller said he has gradually retreated from administrative church responsibilities as the national and local church has struggled with the gay and lesbian issue. A loyal lay reader of the scriptures, he said he is taking a sabbatical from that Sunday routine as well.
“An awful lot of people that I know who are very upset about what is going on have already stopped going to church or just jumped ship,” said Keller, who as a delegate to the 2003 national convention voted against Robinson’s ordination.
He said he was in a “wait and see attitude” and was keenly interested in the theological counsel of South Carolina’s other Episcopal bishop, Mark Lawrence, who leads Lowcountry Episcopalians and considers himself an orthodox Episcopalian.
Kendall, I’m glad you highlighted the very revealing remarks by David Keller, a prominent lay leader at big Christ Church, Greenville, which I believe is Sarah Hey’s parish. It sounds like Keller is just looking for a positive alternative before heading out the exits. It’s these kind of devoted, widely respected, highly influential leaders that +Mark Lawrence needs to draw into the new conservative network he seems to want to build across the country. I sure hope the good bishop succeeds in achieving that vital goal.
David Handy+
David+–Thanks for the comment. Your assessment is correct.
You’re welcome, David. You’re in good company. I think there are many others who share your plight, and hope.
As +Lawrence noted in his excellent speech to his clergy a little over a week ago, there are probably more orthodox Anglicans still remaining within TEC than have chosen to leave so far, thus your kind may be legion. I wish you all the best, David. It’s a very hard, painful place to be.
David Handy+