The Episcopal Church, a Protestant denomination, has faced internal strife in recent years over the ordination of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire and the debate over blessings of same sex couples.
Some congregations around the country have broken off because of the debate, but none in Maine, Lane said.
“Many in the church have agreed to disagree,” Lane said. “It’s sort of there in the background, but my own sense is that most Episcopalians are proud to be part of a church where everyone is welcome.”
More pressing in Maine, he said, will be encouraging congregations to be more actively involved in ministering to their communities, from providing food and other essentials to the needy to reaching out to college communities.
“This is really a key issue for the future of the church,” Lane said.
I guess making disciples of Jesus Christ is clean off the table …