Centralizing Power in the Diocese of Louisiana

http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/10422/

[Stand Firm] 27 Feb 2008--According to this proposed canonical change, a congregation in the parish of "West Baton Rouge" in the suburbs or outskirts of the city of Baton Rouge could not sponsor or initiate any ministry related work whatsoever in the parish of "East Baton Rouge," which is where downtown Baton Rouge lies, without the consent of the bishop or the "Ecclesiastical Authority". Given the absolute nature of the language of the proposed canon, that would mean that members of a congregation in West Baton Rouge who live in East Baton Rouge could not so much as form a congregationally supported or sponsored bible study group or a prayer group in East Baton Rouge. The congregation itself could not open a downtown soup kitchen or help with disaster relief. They could not do any ministry at all without the bishop's consent or in the absence of a bishop, the consent of the Standing Committee.

This measure is intended to prevent conservative groups from starting new churches in other parts of the diocese where the population is growing, new churches that might affiliate with the Anglican Communion Network or break away from The Episcopal Church.