Local churches join breakaway dioceses network

The group was formed in protest to the approval of an openly gay Episcopalian bishop.

Tampa, Bay Florida

The group was formed because of disagreement about the approval of a gay bishop. Episcopal churches in the Bay area are now part of a new breakaway network of dioceses.

The new group was formed because of disagreement about the approval of an openly gay Episcopalian bishop.

Mark Sholander, a church leader of the St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Polk County, says the approval has left his parishioners feeling that their church has been hijacked by a small group of innovative thinkers.

It's a very small, but very vocal minority who is trying to impose upon the ancient church new belief systems, so its frustrating, said Sholander.

Sholander says the network is a way to preserve their beliefs that have existed for more than 500 years. Leaders of the network want to eventually be recognized as the authentic Episcopalian church by Anglican bishops overseas.

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