WP: Among Episcopalians, Grief Over Gay Bishop

[CShine]

As arguments over sexuality and Scripture reverberate through the nation's 7,364 Episcopal congregations, more than 500 priests and 3,200 lay people have signed a petition calling the convention's action illegitimate. Nearly a dozen dioceses have scheduled meetings to discuss whether to affiliate with Anglican splinter groups or conservative bishops overseas. Some priests and parishioners -- how many is unknown -- have left, and many others are withholding donations to the national church.

Yet in interviews with more than 20 Episcopal priests and lay people across the country who have been dismayed by the church's decisions, most said they have not yet decided what to do. Many are waiting to see what happens at a gathering of more than 1,400 traditionalist Episcopalians in Texas on Oct. 7-9 and at a meeting in England a week later of the primates, or presiding bishops, of the 38 regional churches that make up the Anglican Communion.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10302-2003Sep14.html