Episcopal Church carries on amid rift over gays

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070302/NEWS01/703020311/1009/NEWS05

[Burlington Free Press] 2 Mar 2007--Bob Sutherland, 84, of South Burlington grew up in the Episcopal Church and has attended South Burlington's All Saints Episcopal Church for 50 years. Sutherland said he'd be "oblivious" to the conflict between the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion if it weren't for news coverage of the issue. Although it doesn't affect his worship or relationship with God or the church, Sutherland said he does have strong opinions about the debate.

"I think it's unfortunate we're being dictated by a very conservative wing of the church as to how we should feel," Sutherland said. "My wife and I have always been very sensitive to people's feelings, especially their sexuality. The Episcopal Church has always been very loving and open to all. It's an open faith. Anybody is welcome to come in."

Sutherland said he would favor a split between the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion instead of surrendering to pressure to ban civil unions and homosexuals from positions of power within the church.

I find that a favorite talking point of liberals in The Episcopal Church is to assert that it is business as usual at the local level and to blame what has been happening in the denomination upon a conservative minority. This piece examplifies that talking point.