Word: schism
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...issue, as 62 of its 107 normally conflict-averse leaders confirmed the election of a popular, openly gay priest named V. Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. Outraged, more than a dozen bishops rejected the vote and threatened to remove their congregations permanently. The possibility of such a schism sent shock waves through the 70-million-strong Anglican Communion, the global network of churches descended from the Church of England. In recent years, the Communion's power base has shifted from liberal-but-shrinking Western churches to booming, socially conservative Third World congregations, and most of the primates...
...such a retraction "is as likely as daisies growing in the Arctic Circle." (ECUSA spokesman James Solheim confirmed this, insisting, "[Robinson] will be consecrated.") So whatever the primates decide, the coming years may be grim indeed. Opinions differ on how much of the U.S. church might depart if a schism occurs - Anderson estimates 30% and liberals describe "a militant fringe." But any exodus is likely to spark dozens of lawsuits for control of church assets, including real estate and pension funds. Legal fees alone could impoverish both sides. Liberals also warn that Third World churches risk cutting off the channels...
...public appearances. The presence of the world's Cardinals at the anniversary gathering will prompt speculation about John Paul's successor, and perhaps raise fresh questions about whether the Pope should retire. A papal resignation last took place in 1294 - when Celestine V stepped down to avert a potential schism in the Church - and it is permissible under Church law if the Pontiff is no longer capable of carrying out his duties. John Paul's biographer, Giancarlo Zizola, says the gathering of the Cardinals would be the ideal occasion for the Pope to surprise the world with the announcement...
...ELECTED. GENE ROBINSON, 56, as bishop of New Hampshire, making him the first openly gay bishop in the 2.3 million-member Episcopalian Church; in Minneapolis. Robinson's confirmation sparked outrage and threats of a schism in the 77 million-member Anglican Communion, particularly in Africa and Asia. Two days later, the Episcopalian Church recognized?but did not officially authorize?same-sex unions...
...leads 17.5 million Anglicans and is a strong critic of homosexuality, told the BBC: "We would sever relationships with anybody, anywhere, anyone who strays over the boundaries." Archbishops in the West Indies and South America have added their protests, and in Sydney, Archbishop Peter Jensen warned of a schism. The greatest opposition comes from the areas of greatest vibrancy and growth in the church. Williams was careful to note the Oxford dissenters' concerns were "theologically serious, intelligible and by no means based on narrow party allegiance or on prejudice." But he stressed that he was assured John was a gifted...