The breakaway from Christ Episcopal Church was part of a major rupture in the Episcopal Church of North America as conservatives rebelled against the ordination of homosexual priests and other trends in the church.
In the past decade, Africa has become a spiritual center for many Anglicans who have divorced themselves from the national Episcopal Church over divergent views on homosexuality and biblical interpretation, said Frank Kirkpatrick, a professor of religion at Trinity College in Hartford, and author of the book “The Episcopal Church in Crisis: How Sex, the Bible and Authority are Dividing the Faithful.”
When dozens of congregations, like Christ Church in Watertown, broke with the national church, their leaders surrendered their religious authority as Episcopalians, he said. African dioceses, which have led the more conservative wing of the international Anglican Communion, continued to recognize the worshippers and consecrate former Episcopalian priests to lead them.
But for Bywater, his spiritual connection to Tanzania is the result of a personal journey, rather than a political one. He said that unlike other priests who are recognized by an African diocese, he is actually an ordained priest within an African diocese.
The article says that Fr. Bywater was ordained deacon in the Episcopal Church but priest in Tanzania. I wonder if he had letters dimissory or has been removed from the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church, and if so under what canon. Glad to read of his work in Africa.
Good catch! I was ordained a transitional deacon in the Diocese of CT. Having attended Trinity School for Ministry I had a burden for renewal in CT. After the deep compelling by the Holy Spirit, I asked Bsp. Drew Smith to transfer my orders to Tabora, a recognized member of the AC. He could not, and I had to follow the call of the Spirit, so I was forced to “recant my orders” when in actuality I walked away and was picked up by Tabora. Bsp Smith held a “litnany for the removal of office” which I attended along with my wife and our one-year-old daughter. God has done great things for us, for He is merciful and faithful. Thank you for your joy about my work in Tabora. The gifts I received for my institution will build a water-harvesting system on the roof in Tura, Tanzania. I covet your prayers.
In the Master,
Rev. Bryan Bywater