Accusations Reflect Growing Episcopal Rift
Leaders of a suburban Episcopal parish have filed charges in church court accusing acting Bishop Jane Holmes Dixon of Washington, D.C., of violating canon law by trying to block them from hiring a conservative priest.
The vestry of Christ Church in Accokeek, Md., filed ecclesiastical charges with Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold of New York, head of the Episcopal Church. The charges were signed by three of Dixon’s fellow Episcopal bishops and several priests and lay members.
The case is one of several in church and secular courts related to the Christ Church dispute, which has attracted attention because of a greater conservative-liberal split within the denomination.
Last month, Dixon sued in federal court asking that the Rev. Samuel Edwards be ousted from Christ Church, and a hearing is set for Aug. 23. Episcopal News Service reports that a group of area priests also have filed ecclesiastical charges against Edwards.
The legal conflicts reflect the frustrations of conservative faithful, who accuse the Episcopal Church of straying from teaching of the worldwide Anglican Communion by allowing same-sex unions and requiring acceptance of women clergy.
Edwards opposes women as priests and bishops.
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