NORTH CAROLINA: Episcopalians back local bishop on gay bishop vote Some asked leader of N.C. diocese to recant support of Robinson

PAUL NOWELL Associated Press

HIGH POINT – Episcopalians from North Carolina's largest diocese Friday rejected resolutions asking their leader to rescind his vote ratifying the election of the denomination's first openly gay bishop.

Discussion of the actions taken last summer at the denomination's General Convention – specifically the election of Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire – dominated conversation and debate as Episcopalians gathered in High Point.

"I think the Episcopalian Church is very strong and we have many more things in common than we have differences," delegate John Lansche of Charlotte said of Friday's actions. "To me, this says the delegates are behind the bishop."

The Diocese of North Carolina is one of three Episcopal dioceses in the state and includes most of the state's largest congregations, in Charlotte, the Piedmont Triad and the Triangle.

Of the 18 resolutions before the 188th annual convention, at least 11 dealt with issues raised in the wake of Robinson's election.

One resolution asked that churches not be penalized for limiting their giving to the diocese. Another sought a change in canon law that would make congregations the sole owners of their church buildings. If a congregation leaves the denomination over theological differences, its property now reverts to the diocese.

Several resolutions were defeated in committee before the entire convention could vote on them.

Bishop Michael Curry did not ignore the crisis in an address to the convention Thursday night.

"This summer ... some of the very real differences among us have emerged starkly," he said.

"Specifically with regard to concerns and perspectives on homosexuality and the Christian faith, we are committed to this being a diocese in which honestly held faith positions will be honored and respected."

He also issued a warning.

"Efforts at division and destruction of the established order of this diocese are quite another thing," Curry said. "Such divisive efforts are not acceptable and will not be tolerated in this diocese."

The Rev. Don Goodheart of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston-Salem attended last year's General Convention as a delegate and said he voted against the affirmation of Robinson.

Still, he said the authors of the resolutions were wrong to ask Curry to rescind his vote.