California Episcopals Split Over Gay Rights

Legal battles likely to ensue after diocese breaks with church

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 8, 2007 6:13 PM CST

(Newser) – A California diocese split with the Episcopal Church today over its defense of gay and women's rights, Reuters reports. The Diocese of San Joaquin, home to 47 churches and 8,800 congregants around Fresno, voted for the break by a vote of 173-22 among delegates. “This is the first time that a diocese has finally said 'enough' to the liberal theology of the Episcopal Church,” said one bishop.

Expensive legal battles will likely ensue over church assets. "It's about property, it's about millions of dollars and it's about power," said one reverend who observed the vote. A bishop at the diocese called the vote "a miracle" and hoped others would follow; the US Episcopal Church said it received news of the break "with sadness."

Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican spiritual leader, speaks to reporters in New Orleans on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/Judi Bottoni) (Associated Press)

(Associated Press)

The first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, arrives at a meeting in this file photo. (AP Photo/Judi Bottoni) (Associated Press)

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California Episcopals Split Over Gay Rights

Legal battles likely to ensue after diocese breaks with church

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Legal battles likely to ensue after diocese breaks with church

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

gay rights • California • Episcopal Church • gay priests • Episcopalian

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Episcopalians Affirm Gay Rights Stand

But pledge 'restraint' in naming gay bishops to avoid schism

Jim McGreevey Bid to Become Priest Rejected

Not for being gay, but because former NJ gov is 'a jackass'

Episcopal Church Names Second Openly Gay Bishop

Mary Glasspool will head to LA Diocese

Chicago Episcopalians Pass on Lesbian Bishop

But new bish calls for 'full inclusion' of gays

Supreme Court's Move on Gay Marriage? Maybe Not

Prop 8 ruling is limited to California, providing a potential reason to skip

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