Word: schism
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...Episcopalians angered by their denomination's decision to ordain women as priests have been quitting the Mother Church to form their own "Anglican Church of North America." Last week members of Good Shepherd, the second oldest Episcopal church in Columbia, S.C., voted 104 to 48 to join the schism. And where will the separatists hold services? At the Young Women's Christian Association in downtown Columbia, that's where. "Maybe this is God's way of underscoring the fact that this is not an antifeminist movement," said Irvin D. Parker, one of the new dissidents...
Thus far the schism is loud but small: the larger parishes are remaining loyal. But there is potential for dramatic skirmishes in the next year or two, especially if courts rule that departing parishes can retain their property. As if to remind the bishops of the threat, a parish in nearby West Palm Beach became the 18th to quit the denomination. It will join the emerging "Anglican Church of North America," which was proclaimed last month at an emotional rally of 1,750 traditionalists in St. Louis. Besides women priests, the group protests modernization of the church's liturgy...
Another vexing issue has been widening the schism: homosexual priests. In January, New York's liberal Bishop Paul Moore ordained Ellen Barrett, a lesbian, to the priesthood (TIME, Jan. 24), thereby outraging many lay Episcopalians. In a carefully worded statement, the bishops distinguished between a priesthood candidate with a "dominant homosexual orientation" and an "advocating and/or practicing" homosexual. In the latter case, the bishops said, their "present understanding" of theology makes ordination "impossible...
...recognized bishops. During the past year the movement has approached 15 Episcopal bishops for help. Though he refuses to say so, Chambers is willing to perform consecrations, and TIME learned last week that at least two other Episcopal bishops are now willing to join him. When they do, the schism will become a reality...
...after only 161 days in office. The11th century Pope Benedict IX resigned once or twice (historians disagree) and Pope Gregory XII renounced the chair in 1415 as part of an effort to heal the Great Western Schism...