Bishop Michael Curry, who heads the Raleigh-based Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, which includes Charlotte, said the conservatives had a right to do what they wanted. But he predicted that their declaration in Wheaton would matter little in the Tar Heel state.
“The Episcopal Church in North Carolina continues to grow,” he said in a statement. “I do not anticipate that these reported actions will have any significant impact on the church in North Carolina.”
The Charleston-based Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina ”“ the only one of five dioceses in the Carolinas that might be tempted to join the conservative province ”“ sent the Rev. John Scott of Eutawville, S.C., to Wheaton to be an observer and report back to Bishop Mark Lawrence, a conservative whose election was initially rejected by the Episcopal Church.
“We’re watching it and wishing them success,” said the Rev. Kendall Harmon, a spokesman for the S.C. diocese. “We’re in theological sympathy, but not in strategic agreement. ”¦ Right now, we’re seeking to be a faithful witness and tell the truth to an (Episcopal) church that’s lost its mind, that’s turned its back on God and his truth.”
“The Episcopal Church in North Carolina continues to grow,â€
what, is that really true?
” A house divided cannot …”
Sadly, there are not many Anglican alternatives here in Curry’s diocese, so not surprised he does not feel threatened.
#3. Tar Heel, you do have my full empathy. When we visit my parents who live in NC we either attend a Roman Catholic church or a United Methodist – both of which have strong, faithful congregations. I can not imagine what I would do if I lived in NC.
There is hope – the new Province seems to be very mission minded, so it might not be long before faithful Anglican missions begin sprouting.
[blockquote] “Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.”
-Luke 10:2[/blockquote]
William, depend on it!
1 Chris – Looking at the latest ASA percentage change from 2006-2007 the only diocese that had an increase in ASA percentage was the Diocese of San Joaquin which increased 0.5%. The Diocese of NC percent change was -2.7%. Here’s a link to the chart: [url=http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/Pct_Change_in_Financial__ASA_Totals_by_Diocese_2006-07.pdf]2006-2007 percent change[/url]
The Raleigh area has quite a few Anglican alternatives, at least 5 congregations identify as such. One of the larger, Holy Trinity which meets at St. David’s School chapel, will host Bishop Duncan this Sunday morning. I think Bishop Curry is nervously whistling past the graveyard.
From 2002 through 2007 the Diocese of North Carolina had a one percent increase in Membership and an eight percent decline in ASA while Plate & pledge increased 13 percent but inflation was 16 percent. I suspect that 2008 and 2009 data will not be positive. Statmann
Re: “We’re watching it and wishing them success,†said the Rev. Kendall Harmon, a spokesman for the S.C. diocese. “We’re in theological sympathy, but not in strategic agreement.”
I sincerely wish SC is more than in “theological sympathy.”
Considering how ALL the conservatives rallied together and fought very, very hard – calling all EcUSA Diocesan Standing Committees, and doing literally everything that was asked of us to get approval for +Lawrence’s election, the first and second time around.
Some may not like what I am about to say, but I am going to say it anyway:
It continues to surprise me that SC is not leading this move and is not in “strategic agreement” with FW, Pitts, Quincy, and SJ. Just think of the impact the inclusion of SC in “strategic agreement” with ACNA would have on all this currently happening, and in the near future.
This is my opinion – and this is speaking as someone with nothing but the utmost respect for the bishops of SC, recent past (whom I have personally met with) and the present.
Fr. Kingsley Jon-Ubabuco
Arlington, Texas
Kendall, I don’t understand what you are doing at all. Why stay in TEC when it has only your demise at heart? You KNOW it has become corrupt and that nothing will change it save its own death. I have a hard time understanding the necessity of your going down with the ship, especially when you could help those already in the water. I do hope you will address this issue, because the new province would be strengthened substantially if you threw your strength in with theirs. Do you think this new province is going to fail? I cannot help thinking that the present situation is a case of hanging together or hanging separately. Larry
[i] The Episcopal Church in North Carolina continues to grow” —Bp. Curry [/i]
In his mind.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
[i] It continues to surprise me that SC is not leading this move and is not in “strategic agreement†with FW, Pitts, Quincy, and SJ [/i] —Spiro [#9]
What’s the surprise? Remember the statements Bp. Lawrence had to make in order to obtain the requisite consent from other ECUSA dioceses?
#6 — ouch! How can anyone with integrity claim that the Episcopal Church is vibrant, thriving, growing, etc.? When every diocese except SJ (and Micronesia!) is declining in ASA, and many in plate and pledge (check out Convocation of American Churches’ decline of nearly one third!), the writing is clearly on the walls. Yikes!
#12 Oops, that was meant to be Europe, but I guess my mistake was subliminally more correct: they really are American churches that happen to be on another continent — which we must remember is OK and not the same as crossing borders!
There are several Anglican congregations in the Charlotte area. I attend All Saints Anglican that meets at Charlotte Catholic High School on Sunday mornings at 9:30. We are a wonderful and thriving congregation. We are currently under the authority of Archbishop Justice Akrofi of Ghana. He will be leading services with us on December 21st. All are welcome. Please come.
In the Raleigh-Durham area, there are at least two AMiA parishes and one currently overseen from Uganda which are now part of Common Cause. There is a 1928 PB parish which may soon be Common Cause. Holy Trinity is not officially affiliated but one would think it will do so, if Bp. Duncan will be there preaching. Other missions are forming in NC outside the Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte areas. Don’t lose hope, Tarheel.