Schism at Grace

While our intrepid religion reporter is busy exploring the cradle of the Anglican Church, his hometown has become the crucible of a pitched battle between the conservative and liberal factions of Episcopalians. Grace Church leveled a strong counterpunch at its diocese today, with the decision to withdraw rather than submit to its authority.

This is big news, and will probably reverberate nationally and internationally among Episcopalians. Conservatives will probably see the members of Grace Church -- and the Rev. Don Armstrong -- as heroes. Liberals may see this as a misguided attempt to protect a rector or avoid progressive change. Either way, it is an intriguing drama.

Here's a report on the split from Virtue Online, with a clear conservative bias that is sympathetic with our local parish.

Also, we will be updating this story throughout the day on Gazette.com.