When [Bishop John David] Schofield broke off from the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin around Christmas in 2007 because he opposed the denomination\u2019s decision to appoint women as bishops and support of same-sex marriage, a handful of churches split with him.<\/p>\n
They called themselves Anglican after the schism and claimed membership with a newly formed Fresno-based diocese led by Schofield. Church leaders deemed too liberal by Schofield within the separated diocese were slowly replaced with more conservative leaders.<\/p>\n
St. Mark\u2019s, though, was left in the lurch. It took more than a year for the congregation to find a priest. The instability drove away many members and took an emotional toll on those who stayed.<\/p>\n
\u201cA deep, dark depression settled over everyone at first,\u201d\u009d said Carolyn Barth, 74, Marvin\u2019s wife and a senior warden for the Anglican side of St. Mark\u2019s. \u201cIt took a while for us to move on from that.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
In San Joaquin County, St. Ann\u2019s in Stockton and St. Mary\u2019s in Manteca sided with Schofield. About one-third of St. Mark\u2019s congregation stuck with the national Episcopalian denomination, while the rest turned Anglican.<\/p>\n