Feb. 3 will be a day of change and challenges for Grace Episcopal Church.
On that day, the Rev. Donald J. Curran will resign as rector of the historic church. The 12-member vestry board will follow. And so will several staff members, the musicians and a big chunk of the congregation.
Those leaving will make up a new church, Christ the King Anglican Church. Those staying will remain members of Grace Episcopal.
In recent years, many Episcopalians have been frustrated with the direction of The Episcopal Church (USA). They believe the church is losing its biblical and traditional roots and are upset with the church’s acceptance of gay clergy and blessing of same-sex unions. As a result, parishes across the country are leaving the denomination, which is the U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion. In October, Grace Episcopal and seven other parishes told Bishop John W. Howe, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, they wanted to leave the diocese and the national church.
Both groups at Grace said the split is sad and painful for the church, but are hopeful they can work things out like Christians. The plan, Curran said, is for both congregations to share the use of the church building for services until June 30. The new church also wants to negotiate a lease for the manse, the church?s office building on Fort King Street, as well as the rectory where Curran lives.
Thank you, Bp. Howe.
Another excellent article by Lashonda Stinson of the Ocala Star-Banner.
Wonder how the folks at 815 feel about this arrangement?
Tar Heel [#3]: You may find a hint in the following entry of The Revisionist Dictionary:
INDULGENCE: Letting seceding congregation use its former property for another three weeks. “Bishop Howard granted Christ Church a partial indulgence allowing it to use its landmark 1881 building until Tuesday.â€