SOUTH CAROLINA EPISCOPAL DIOCESE JOINS NETWORK

April 27, 2004

Clergy and lay leaders of the Diocese of South Carolina voted during their annual convention (March 5–6, North Charleston Convention Center) to affiliate with the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes.

In his address, the Rt. Rev. Edward Salmon, Jr., Bishop of South Carolina, attributed the crisis in The Episcopal Church—sparked by the 2003 consecration of a gay bishop—to the improper resolution of a profound theological issue by popular vote. He described the Network’s purpose as upholding orthodoxy and providing mutual support during this turbulent period.

“The Network also provides a means for primates and others to support us more effectively in this struggle,” Bishop Salmon said. “Its purpose is to provide a place of strength and witness within the American Church.”

Bishop Salmon helped draft and signed the Network charter. Both the standing committee and diocesan council had previously approved affiliation, though some delegates opposed it.

“I believe this resolution would continue the divisiveness… because it would institutionalize a movement that not all parties agree with,” said Andy Brack of St. Stephen’s Church, Charleston, suggesting individual parishes—not the whole diocese—should decide.

The resolution passed by show of hands, with roughly 24 of 296 clergy and lay delegates voting against.

Convention also approved a $2.3 million budget—$200,000 more than the prior year—but reduced payments to the national church from $120,000 to just over $32,000.

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