Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin

The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin is a diocese of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (ECUSA), located in central California with its headquarters in Stockton.

On December 8, 2007, a majority of the delegates of diocesan convention voted to secede from the Episcopal Church - over issues including the ordination of women and the blessing of homosexual unions – to form the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin. Clergy and laity who disagreed with this decision and continue to reside within the diocesan boundaries still consider themselves to be in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin.

Up until this vote, the diocese was one of the most conservative within the Episcopal Church. The diocese continues to be one of three that does not ordain women (the others are the dioceses of Quincy and Fort Worth). The pre-separation Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin had a membership of approximately 8,500. [ [http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_92524_ENG_HTM.htm San Joaquin votes to leave Episcopal Church, realign with Southern Cone] , "Episcopal Life online", The Episcopal Church, December 8, 2007. Retrieved September 26, 2008]

On January 11, 2008, the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori, inhibited Bishop John-David Schofield from the exercise of the office of bishop. [ [http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_93559_ENG_HTM.htm Presiding Bishop inhibits San Joaquin bishop] , "Episcopal Life Online", The Episcopal Church, January 11, 2008. Retrieved September 26, 2008] On March 1, 2008, Schofield tendered his resignation from the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church, although he continued to claim the title of bishop of the Diocese of San Joaquin. [ [http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/3-1-08_letter_to_Schori_and_HOB.pdf Letter from Schofield to Schori and the House of Bishops] , March 1, 2007, "Episcopal cafe". Retrieved September 26, 2008.] On March 12, 2008, he was deposed by action of the House of Bishops. [ [http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_95611_ENG_HTM.htm House of Bishops consents to deposition of John-David Schofield, William Cox] "Episcopal Life Online", The Episcopal Church, March 12, 2008. Retrieved September 26, 2008]

A special diocesan convention met on March 29, 2008 in Lodi, California, which "waived any potential defects in notice or other irregularities in the calling the Special Convention; allowed the Dispatch of Business Committee flexibility in presenting the convention agenda so that the chair could call special recesses as necessary, move items on the agenda for good cause, and expedite business; allowed Dispatch of Business to limit debate; as necessary"; and appointed Jerry Lamb (retired bishop of Northern California) as provisional bishop of a reorganized Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. [ [http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_96094_ENG_HTM.htm San Joaquin Episcopalians anchor reorganization in themes of resurrection, hope] , "Episcopal Life Online", The Episcopal Church, March 12, 2008. Retrieved September 26, 2008] In the meantime Jefferts Schori has stated that "The Episcopal Church will continue in the Diocese of San Joaquin, albeit with new leadership." [ [http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2007/12/8/presiding-bishop-eyes-new-leadership-for-diocese-of-san-joaquin The Living Church Foundation | Presiding Bishop Eyes New Leadership for Diocese of San Joaquin ] ]

External links

* [http://www.diosanjoaquin.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.remainepiscopal.org/ Remain Episcopal] , a group within the diocese opposed to the separation.

References