Published: October 10, 2008 12:53 am            

RELIGION: Episcopal Church in Town of Tonawanda breaks with diocese

TOWN OF TONAWANDA — St. Bartholomew’s church is leaving the Western New York Episcopal Diocese and taking its more than 1,000 members with it.

The church’s pastor, the Rev. Arthur Ward Jr., said philosophical and theological differences between the congregation and the Episcopal church have been brewing for years. The group began withholding its donations from the church when the first openly gay Episcopal bishop was consecrated in 2003, but Ward is quick to point out that the gay issue is simply the straw that broke the camel’s back. He said over the past three decades, the church has been allowing their leaders to diverge on such core issues as the Virgin birth and whether Christ is the sole means to salvation.

“We can’t be under that type of thinking or leadership,” Ward said. “The most important thing is the authority of God’s word as we understand it.”

Now, after 53 years in its current location, the congregation is pulling up roots and moving from 1064 Brighton Road. Ward said that was the only viable option for separation. On May 4, a survey of the congregation showed unanimous support for a move.

“That’s not to say everyone agreed, but everyone who returned the survey agreed,” Ward said.

Bishop Michael Garrison, leader of the Episcopalian Church’s Western New York Diocese, met with Ward after that vote and said Ward told him he’d be informed a few months before a move.

The congregation’s leaders settled on the recently-vacated building at 2368 Eggert Road formerly occupied by the Jewish Temple Beth El.

“That building is much larger and less than a mile away,” Ward said. “Even though it’s difficult to leave the building after 53 years, principle is more important than property.”

When it relocates, the congregation will become St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church. Ward and other clergy from the church will be transferred to the Diocese of Argentina.

“That diocese’s archbishop is sympathetic to those of us who cannot continue on in the Episcopalian church,” Ward said.

The existing building will continue on as St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church and hold services just as usual, following the split. Garrison said he can’t foresee what will happen in the long term if the numbers don’t support the church’s continued presence, but that he has no intention of seeing he church go by the wayside.

“Our hope is we’ll be able to have a revitalized congregation there,” Garrison said. “

Ward said Garrison was extremely cooperative and supportive during the entire endeavor. Garrison said the split was a long time coming and that he hopes easing the transition will help everyone part with grace and a well-wishing spirit, despite their disagreements.

Contact reporter Daniel Pye at 693-1000, ext. 158.

        

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