Episcopalian Dissent Group Seeks to Grow

The Episcopal Synod of America, a dissenting organization of Episcopal traditionalists who oppose women’s ordination, has launched a drive to expand its “recognized theological position.”

Recognition of that dissenting position came from the church’s House of Bishops in September, and the new group’s president, Bishop Clarence Pope Jr. of Ft. Worth, advised group members to stay “close friends” with majority opponents.

“We share much with those with whom we disagree fundamentally,” Pope recently told the new synod’s first legislative meeting, which approved a $700,000 budget for 1990 and made plans to expand its influence among congregations.

“If our mission is to prosper, we must confess our own shortcomings and do all we can to work in any appropriate way with those of the majority in the Episcopal Church while not compromising our principles,” Pope said.