The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, increasingly disenchanted with the direction of the national Episcopal Church, on Thursday called a convention to discuss the future of the conservative diocese.

"Frankly, I don't know how to say this in any other way but to tell you that this is a call to action; of mobilization of clergy, parishes and laity," the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence said in a speech released after he delivered it to clergy representing 75 parishes in the lower and eastern part of the state.

Last month, the national church, during its California convention, authorized bishops to bless same-sex unions. The Episcopal Church consecrated its first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, in 2003.

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • * South Carolina

1. Stefano wrote: The diocese of SC could hardly be called ‘conservative’. I’ve worshiped there and I’ve met their previous bishop. You might call them essentially non-heretical or mainstream or cleaving to Communion conformity but ‘conservative’ doesn’t say anything. Typical slipshod reporting. August 13, 1:14 pm | [comment link]

2. Stefano wrote: ... And don’t forget the most distinctive descriptor… a GROWING Diocese!!!! August 13, 1:16 pm | [comment link]

3. Bull Street wrote: Interesting to me that Charlotte, NC TV picked this up. Hey Columbia, SC! You are in between Charlotte and Charleston on I-77 & I-26.  Smell the coffee and wake up. August 13, 2:07 pm | [comment link]

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