James, I live in Europe and am a part of the Church of England. Even over here, some are aware that there was a great degree of questionableness around the creation of the San Joaquin diocese which is now a part of TEC – there are reasonable suggestions that a number of different cannons were violated in the process. You might want to read up about these problems yourself. The Anglican Curmudgeon has some excellent postings on the legal intricacies of these purported violations. You could also have more sensitivity toward Fr. Eaton, as he was marginalized and excluded from the Standing Committee in one such move by the Presiding Bishop. You should be careful before you throw stones and claim that the other does not exist.

On the other hand, I hear good news, and it sounds like the new Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin worships the Risen Christ. With people like Father Eaton choosing to remain in the diocese, I have great reason for hope.

I write as an individual and not for the AES.

I began my journey back to Christ when, as a neo-pagan, I discovered my wife and child, both nominal Christians, had no plans to go to church last Easter! I wanted to support them on their path and decided to take them to St. Paul’s in Visalia, where we live. They loved the parish, and I resolved to take them regularly and quietly continue my Wiccan practice.

God had other plans. A few weeks ago, my daughter was confirmed and I stood with her to renew my baptismal vows. I thought I had heard all the arguments for and against Christianity. What I had not experienced and finally found is a parish that is vital, committed and loving.

Blessings,
Tom

Peace to you across the divide.

We see several different models of asset resolution across The Episcopal Church USA. That selection is enhanced by observing other denominations having congregations and whole districts/associations dealing with the same issues. So we certainly are not bereft of options in how to handle asset resolution. Across denominational lines these things also seem to be true:
Blessedly, the best of the resolutions exist, and they exist primarily by the intention and initiative of local congregations. Tragically, the worst of the resolution model(s) are directly attributed to denominational managements (which includes diocesan/district), that model being primarily an immediate recourse to secular courts.
Thank God for the exceptions.

Another old adage that might apply here is “the Church shoots its wounded.” Which is true at any level of church life, parochial settings not exempt.

Thanks for your comment.

I grew up Roman Catholic; today I find myself a member in one of the parishes of the breakaway diocese. (My family and I returned to practicing our faith after the parish vote to follow +JDS to the Southern Cone, and we were fairly oblivious to the hard feelings surrounding that.)

I’m not a lawyer but it seems to me this decision isn’t the last word. I can see this dragging through the courts for years, unfortunately.

I wish our bishop had walked away from the property. I also wish ECUSA had not gone into lawsuit mode.

So much for wishes, eh?

I’m not sure whether you are suggesting some action to me, or just venting. Let me know.

In the meantime, if you are looking for some sort of motivation on my part, it seems inherent if not clear there are two groups of people in the same geographical area each identifying themselves with the same moniker; offering an un-annotated link to both websites might be all the information people need to not be so confused. For instance, I think you’d agree that for all the intelligent folks in San Luis Obispo, very, very few of them know the intricacies of the San Joaquin situation, much less could maintain any clarity when faced with quoted ecclesial Canons! But intelligent folks know how to take offered resources and find the info they need to be informed. Really, I think that’s all there is to this page.

If you are needing more specific whatever, for whatever your objection might be, then look to the definite articles.

rge

Now let me respond. Do you know the history of the first official Diocese of San Joaquin website and by what means it was published to the WWW?
And do you know who Brian Reid is?

It doesn’t appear you were willing to wait for “one to ask”, since you posted your comment. That’s too bad. If you knew the answer to the questions I posed I’m not sure you would be able to come to the same illogical conclusions.

rge

I’m delighted you were able to find the workshop helpful.
As I shared with Beryl S. recently, a transcription of the workshop is being worked on. When that is done and edited a bit, it might be helpful for folks who want to get a feel for the content, and then be encouraged to invite us to come to their congregation.
We won’t invite ourselves; your prayers might thus be that we receive the invitation.

Thank you, and you’re welcome.

That means there is only ONE Diocese of San Joaquin, and that diocese is part of the Episcopal Church.

Spin the facts as Mr. Schofield and Presiding Bishop Venables wish, the facts speak for themselves.