At the conclusion of the diocesan convention Jan. 25-26 at St. James\u2019 Church, Ormond Beach, Bishop Howe told a reporter for The Living Church that though exhausted, he was pleased with the negotiations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are on the best of terms with all those leaving,\u201d\u009d he said. \u201cAnd we are committed to rebuilding where there have been losses.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
In his address to convention, Bishop Howe said the last three months had been the worst period of his life. However, amicable solutions had been reached with the members of the eight congregations who sought to withdraw from the diocese.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are those who simply have to leave The Episcopal Church for conscience sake,\u201d\u009d he said. \u201cI understand that. I don\u2019t agree, but I don\u2019t believe we should punish them. We shouldn\u2019t sue them. We shouldn\u2019t depose the clergy. Our brokenness is a tragedy. The litigation that is going on in so many places is a travesty. And although some seem to be trying to do so, I don\u2019t think you can hold a church together by taking everybody you disagree with to court.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n