We're Outta Here

Conservatives in the Episcopalian Church, who differ from the mainstream of the church on issues including whether gay clergy should be ordained, have declared they will go their own way. They intend to found an independent province of the church in America while remaining within the Episcopalian tradition. Until now, dissenting conservatives have joined dioceses in Africa rather than condone homosexuality among priests. The New York Times reports that Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh will be named archbishop and primate of the new North American faction, which says it will attract 100,000 members, compared with 2.3 million in the existing Episcopalian Church.