Another Central Florida Episcopal congregation has split over the issue of the denomination’s policy on homosexuality.
Most of the members and ministerial staff of Trinity Episcopal Church in Vero Beach will leave their historic facility in July to form a new congregation separate from the Episcopal Church, USA, if an agreement is ratified later this week with the Diocese of Central Florida. The agreement would formally separate the two groups.
On Sunday, about 200 of the congregation’s 700 members who wish to remain part of the diocese elected a new vestry, the congregation’s governing board. That board is expected to sign a separation agreement already approved by the diocese and the departing members.
“I hope it shall be,” said Warren Winchester, who was elected Sunday as the vestry’s presiding officer.
[i]In Central Florida Gay issues prompt church to split[/i] Main stream media: swing and a miss, yet again.
I believe the vote is tommorow please pray for Father Coyle and Trinity.
Sounds like Bishop Howe got stern superior word from above, just like Bishop Lee in Virginia earlier.
Brilliant strategy: The Central Fla diocese foregoes a $5 million cash infusion it badly needs, and it takes on the liability of maintaining a large property complex (and may be forced to mortgage it to keep the smaller congregation in it), all at the same time charitable giving is on the skids and the economy is plunging into disaster mode.
Absolutely brilliant, 815.
Going to court would be a useless waste for Trinity. Florida judicially is a pro-hierarchy state in settling church property disputes.
w.w.