There were about 30 people in the pews for the 10:15 a.m. service at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Largo on May 2, most bunched along the center aisle, near the altar.
They were there to witness a rebirth of a congregation that has been in turmoil since last fall, when its former rector tried to lead them out of The Episcopal Church and affiliate with a conservative Anglican coalition based in Pennsylvania.
StDunstans-web“Even though this gathering today is made up of people who have been through pain, as well as people who are here to offer great loving support, God is with us,” Bishop Dabney Smith told those assembled.
The 13 Episcopalians who remain at St. Dunstan’s have decided to rebuild their congregation after spending months trying to work out a settlement with their former fellow parishioners. Bishop Smith has appointed the Rev. Norman Howard as their priest-in-charge.
A very one sided article. I am sure there are those in the Diocese who know the facts….and maybe they will share them.
Exactly. Given TEC’s track record, my bet is that the offenses here are contrived.
-Jim+
I wish they had interviewed Sellers. In fact, they never identify “Sellers,” his first name, or his function, although we can infer.
I love this bit from the Statement from the diocese regarding St. Dunstan’s:
[blockquote] While the diocese has no desire to intensify the situation, it recognizes its canonical responsibility to the wider Church.[/blockquote]
According to a report by David Virtue last September, when St. Dunstan’s voted to leave TEC, the vote was overwhelming: 173 to 13. You’ll note that the diocesan report never indicates just how many people left (since of course, according to TEC’s spin, only individuals, not whole congregations can leave). The parish ASA was about 200 at the time of the split about 8 months ago, and their were 205 qualified voters (communicants) when the vote took place, and 186 of the 205 voted (only 19 failed to participate).
Virtue reported that St. Dunstan’s joined the Diocese of Quincy in the ACNA, and that Fr. Sellers and the vestry were determined not to engage in a lawsuit, but that they also weren’t going to vacate the property voluntarily. A sheriff would have to evict them, according to Fr. Sellers (the 5 acre property is estimated to be worth $2-3 million).
I hope someone with personal, up-to-date knowledge of the situation in Largo, FL will chime in here and shed more light. But yes, this is an exceedingly biased, one-sided report.
David Handy+
Bless all their hearts. I do think that the sharing of buildings is a good way to go. I am very sorry it doesn’t seem to have worked out.
Anyone know how property disputes are settled there? Any pertinent lawsuits or judgements ?? If this were in the Diocese of SC, I would know the answer.
Well….there is 8 months of growth. The good news for these fine people is that it has not turned negative in growth…yet.
Intercessor
#5, if one looks at Florida law, clearly, the Diocese has the upper hand….see the Diocese of Florida and its history with Bishop John Howard.
Keeping the TEC St. Dunstan group on financial life support is no problem for this diocese. In 2008 there were 4 “rich” churches (Plate & Pledge of more than $150K) for every “poor” church. What is in short supply is any sorrow for the group that lost their building. Statmann