The Episcopal Church in the United States has said it is disappointed that a diocese in California has become the first to leave the Church in protest at its support for gay rights. San Joaquin, which is based in Fresno, last night voted overwhelmingly to secede. The row which has split the worldwide Anglican communion began in 2003, when the Episcopal Church consecrated the first openly gay bishop. Roger was joined on the phone by Mark Pinsky; religion writer and correspondent for the Orlando Sentinel.
Things get a bit muddled here, as the pronunciation of the diocese is not correct and Mr. Pinsky speaks of a diocese in Quincy, Massachusetts, whereas he means the one in Quincy, Illinois. In any event, listen to it all.