Episcopalians Dodge a Bullet

The Episcopal Church has been in turmoil since the election of an openly homosexual bishop three years ago. They had the chance to elect another gay bishop, but chose the straight and narrow path instead:

Fears of a split in the worldwide Anglican Church were reduced today when the Episcopal Diocese of California voted to elect Rev. Mark Andrus of Alabama as its next bishop.

The election, held by 700 lay people and priest in San Francisco's Grace Cathedral, was to find a replacement for longtime Bishop William Swing, who is retiring. Three of the seven candidates under consideration were openly 'gay' clerics living with their partners.

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The Reverend Bonnie Perry of Chicago, a lesbian, reportedly withdrew her nomination shortly before noon.

Canon Michael Barlowe, who works in the Diocese of California, and the Very Rev Robert Taylor of Seattle were the other two homosexual candidates.

With so many openly gay candidates, it's only a matter of time before another election drives more local congregations out of the Anglican church.