CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina is holding a convention to chart a future course after its split with the National Episcopal Church over issues including ordination of gays.
Delegates from many of the approximately 70 congregations in eastern and southern South Carolina are slated to gather Saturday at Saint Phillip's Church in downtown Charleston.
Last month, Bishop Mark Lawrence was notified by the national church's Disciplinary Board for Bishops that he is considered to have abandoned the national church. A letter from the national bishop barred him from performing any ministerial acts.
But the leaders of the local diocese also last month passed a resolution saying it would disaffiliate from the national church if it took any action asserting authority over the diocese, its leaders or members.
