Diocese leaves Episcopal Church
A third theologically conservative diocese has broken away from the liberal Episcopal Church in a long-running dispute over the Bible, gay relationships and other issues.
The Diocese of Quincy, Ill., took the vote at its annual meeting that ended Saturday.
Two other dioceses -- San Joaquin, based in Fresno, and Pittsburgh -- have already split off.
Next weekend, the Diocese of Fort Worth will vote on whether to follow suit.
The three breakaway dioceses are aligning with the like-minded Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, based in Argentina, to try to keep their place in the world Anglican Communion. The 77-million-member Anglican fellowship, which includes the U.S. Episcopal Church, has roots in the missionary work of the Church of England.
Meanwhile, National Episcopal leaders are reorganizing the seceding dioceses with local parishioners who want to stay in the church. Complex legal fights have already started in San Joaquin over control of diocesan property and assets.
The presiding bishop of the New York-based denomination, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, said in a statement: “We lament the departure” in Quincy.
The Quincy diocese, based in Peoria, Ill., has 24 churches and missions and about 1,800 members. Clergy and lay delegates approved withdrawal with a 95 to 26 vote.
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