Another one bites the dust

I'm actually really sad about this, because I have friends who attend this church. I've recommended it to people. Fuller people are associated with it. One friend is even interning there. This breaks my heart. Doubly so for it to come out on this day that is supposed to be about love.

February 14, 2006
To the clergy and laity of the Diocese of Los Angeles:
A statement from the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, Bishop of Los Angeles

I have received word this afternoon that the congregation of St. Luke’s-of-the-Mountains Episcopal Church, La Crescenta, voted on February 13 to sever its ties with the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and align itself with the Diocese of Luweero, Uganda.

I am deeply disappointed in the actions taken by the congregation and its clergy. We have worked in the past to resolve differences between the rector and parishioners of St. Luke’s and the diocese and the national Church. It is a painful matter to me to know that they have abandoned all attempts at reconciliation, which is at the heart of our Christian witness. We still hope and pray that we may come together again with our brothers and sisters of St. Luke’s Church.

The congregation’s claim on the property of St. Church is Luke’s clearly illegal according to the canons of our diocese and the national Church and to the laws of the State of California. It is my pastoral and fiduciary duty to this diocese to protect its property rights, and we will pursue this matter.

The Episcopal Church is a church of thinking people, and it is inevitable that its members will think differently about many matters of faith and practice. Dissension will not undercut the great work being done by Episcopalians here in the Diocese of Los Angeles, which is a vital and growing branch of Christ’s kingdom, bringing abundance to the people of Southern California.