NOTE TO BLOG READER: NOVEMBER 27,2024

Greetings Blog Reader: First I am in the land of the living

I say thank you for the many well wishers who have lifted me up in prayer. You are the wind beneath my wings. 

My wife Sandy is still in a nursing home and under hospice care

As for me the lung infection seems to be stabilized. Mobility is slightly better. I can stand but not walk. My weight is falling, now at 97 pounds. 

I am in no pain. I am well cared for. 

I am resolved to go on to the end following the Kindly Light. 

I have much for which to be thankful at this Thanksgiving Day.

A NOTE TO BLOG READER- SEPTEMBER 29,2024

 Greetings dear blog reader: 

     My wife Sandy continues to be under hospice care in a nursing home. My health has taken a turn for the worse. Tests have revealed a lung infection that has already destroyed a quarter of my lungs. Doctors are giving me lots of antibiotics. My general condition declines. I now weigh 107 pounds. I cannot stand on my legs. I am working with rehab to regain use of my legs. However, the weakness and weight loss retard the therapy. Anyway, the doctors are still optimistic that I will be mobile and the drugs will kill off the lung infection. I was in the hospital for a month. I am now in a nursing home. No one knows what the future holds. But I will go on with courage, strength, and faith. 

     If I do not return with a post I want to say that keeping this blog has been one of the pleasures of my life. Thank you all for being my readers all these long years.

Transcribed by Elizabeth Caldwell

EARTHQUAKE UNDERWAY

Do you feel the political ground moving under your feet? I do. The tectonic plates made a major shift in little more than a blink of the eye. They are still moving at breath-taking speed.

Only a couple of weeks ago, Trump was all but guaranteed of a landslide victory in the presidential race. It appeared to be over, a done deal. The Democrats were in despair, tearing themselves apart over the viability of their too-old candidate, Biden. The counter-revolution seemed to be in control.

Suddenly, on 21 July, Biden announced he was dropping out of the race and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, as his heir. In a flash, everything changed. All of a sudden one tectonic plate crashed over the top of the other catapulting Harris into the night sky with unheard of new momentum. The dead party came to life. People looked up to see a comet flashing across the gloom, in the form of a woman, a woman of color, and a daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica. Her explosion onto the scene is simply un-paralleled in American history.

The Republicans counted their chickens before they hatched. Now they are back on their heels flailing about on how to run against Harris. It did not help that in their arrogance they nominated a vice presidential candidate woefully unprepared for the job. The Dems gleefully rolled out the video tape of J.D. putting his foot n his mouth time and again. Only yesterday, Trump appeared before a black audience to play one of the few cards in is hand, racism. The crowd he was playing to was not the crowd in the room.

Let's get back to the big picture, my running thesis on this blog. What we have at hand is a great culture war. The Great Democratic Revolution on the 1950's and 60's gave us rights, equality, and inclusion to the social elements historically ignored, marginalized, and even tortured (think lynching). (In fact, we are presently celebrating in the Episcopal Church the first ordinations of women to the priesthood, fifty years on.) Blacks, women, the disabled, and homosexuals arose to share power with the traditional white patriarchy for the first time in American history.

With every revolution in history, there is a subsequent counter-revolution. It is the backlash of people who feel most threatened by the changes of the revolution. In America, a counter-revolution began in earnest in 1968 and has built up ever since reaching a crescendo with the election, and reelection of the first African American president. The Angry White Working Class Man pushed back, some even formed armed gangs to resist the revolution. Trump became the Great White Hope in 2016 only to lose out in 2020. Even so, he sent an armed mob to attack the Capitol and overthrow the government. They came close. 

Trump is back, once again running a blatantly counter-revolutionary campaign with scarcely veiled racism, and now misogyny. It is the white man demonizing "the other." It remains to be seen if using the same old playbook as in 2016 and 2020 will work. However, the picture is beginning to emerge that times have changed and the same old attacks on immigrants, blacks, and women do not have the same punch. In my neck of the woods, there is little enthusiasm for Trump as compared to the races of the past.

Fellow citizens, we must support the democratic revolution. We must defend the rights of all people. We must defend our precious democratic and constitutional republic. 

I must confess, I am feeling a lot better about this than I was only a few days ago. I do not want to make any predictions but I sense the democratic revolution's tectonic plate has crashed over the counter-revolutionary plate which is now struggling to find a way out of the unexpected crushing weight.

IT'S TIME FOR THE KIDS TO TALK

Practically every family will have this problem if our loved ones live long enough. When to take the car keys away from a family member who should no longer be driving? This is what "the kids" have to discuss and enact when the time comes, usually for a parent.

Sometimes, this is difficult, even traumatic, and others not so much. For my spinster aunt, the day she thought she was in drive but was really in reverse and wound up lodged in large bushes at the rear of her yard was the end. Sometimes, creeping dementia is the cause. My father had a friend who drove himself from the lodge to go home. Hours later he was found driving around aimlessly in a town fifty miles away. That was it for him.

My three siblings and I dreaded the day we "kids" (middle-aged) would have to take the keys. Our father had been a chief of police for years and used to giving orders, not taking them. We all expected an awful scene. He was OK until he turned eighty-five and developed macular degeneration. Soon, the MD reached the point he could not see the signal light. My mother had to tell him green or red. We all agreed that was it. If he could not see the red light, he had no business driving a car. He was a danger to himself and others. My oldest brother gave him the news and he took it surprisingly well. This was helped by the fact that my sister, a spinster and retired, lived next door and could drive my parents wherever they needed to go. We all breathed a big sigh of relief.

It is now time for "the kids" to get together and talk about Biden's future as the Democratic Party candidate for president in 2024. He would be 82 years old when sworn into office and 86 when his term would end. There are plain signs, obvious to everyone, that he does not have the mental acuity for such a demanding and powerful position as president of the United States. His "debate" of last week was an appalling disaster. Nothing since then has changed this. He has not been allowed to talk in an uncontrolled and unscripted freely answering questions put to him.

All the published polls since the "debate" show Trump in the lead with a growing gap. If trends continue, Trump could win a landslide and carry a majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. If the Republicans win all three branches of government, they will carry out a sweeping counter-revolution to roll back democratic reforms everywhere. The Heritage Foundations "Project 2025" will carry out a reign of terror (e.g., the 40 inmates on death row in the U.S. now will be executed immediately) and usher in the first fascist regime in American history. The democratic constitutional republic will be erased. Thus, the stakes in the upcoming presidential election could not be higher.

Biden's mental acuity is the topic of the day, and this is highly unfair. Trump is just as prone to gaffes, and besides lies so much he does not know the difference with the truth. Yet, no one is calling on Trump to drop out of the race. Unfair.

Nevertheless, we are where we are and Democrats will have to move soon on two choices, keep Biden on the ticket or force him out and replace him with someone else. He has said he will not go voluntarily. "The kids" have to talk.

In this case who are "the kids"? They are the leaders of the Democratic machinery who are not dependent on Biden, such as Senators, Representatives, major donors, and state party officials. It is incumbent on them to meet, in some form, as soon as possible to come to a consensus of what to do. If they conclude that Biden has to go, they have to tell him that. If Biden decides he has won the nomination fairly and squarely and refuses to go, he knows he would tear up the Democratic party and hand Trump an easy victory. Biden is at heart a great patriot so it is hard to imagine he would burn down the house at all cost, something that Trump might well do in the same situation.

As I said, Biden is the main issue right now and Trump is on the way to a landslide victory. The barbarians are already inside the gates. American democracy is in peril. 

I do not feel qualified personally to say whether Biden should stay or go, although I lean to "go." This decision should be made by people who know Biden well, and are independent of him. It is high time for "the kids" to decide whether to take the keys away from the old man. He says he is not turning them over. If they decide he must, they will have to come up with a way to do this without destroying the Democratic Party. It's a tough dilemma but everyone must bear in mind the nation is at stake here, not just one man.   

 

AMERICA'S PECULIAR CRISIS

America is in crisis as everyone knows. In just the last week, two major events occurred which greatly deepened this crisis, President Biden's disastrous "debate," and the U.S. Supreme Court's enthronement of the president as an elected king (or queen).

Regular readers of this blog will know what I am going to say first, the big picture. We are witnessing the colossal clash between the forces of revolutionary democracy and the forces of reactionary anti-democracy, i.e. fascism. In the upcoming election one party represents one side and the other party the other. The winners will decide the fate of America for the foreseeable future. The stakes could not be higher.

As a lifelong (I am 81 years old) student of history, my first impulse is to look back into the past for guidance on what to do now. For the big picture, the first case that jumps to my mind is the transition of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. For 500 years, Rome had been a republic where the people had governed themselves in a complicated system that can best be described as quasi-democracy. It was not pure democracy but it came close. Then, after five centuries, Rome turned into a monarchy under a dictatorial emperor. In a nutshell, what brought this on was the growing and enormous disparity between the rich and the poor in Rome as a result of the spectacular growth of a vast empire. In short, the rich got a lot richer and the poor got a lot poorer. The Second and First centuries BCE saw a huge clash between these forces. Fearing the loss of order and control, the propertied classes rallied around a dictator that then became an emperor (27 BCE).

We see a similar situation in America today in that there is a vast and growing gulf between the rich and the poor. This has been going on for at least the last forty years. The propertied classes in America, who control a great deal of power, are resolved to keep this going. However, the method of doing this is not overt economics. It is the culture war in which the old social elements that controlled society are feeling that they are being overwhelmed by a multi-racial and multi-cultural society. The upcoming election has been framed in the terms of the culture war and not the scarcely veiled push of the super rich to make themselves and their corporations even richer. A cry for "Law and order" brought the end of the Roman Republic just as it may well do in 2024 America. The SCOTUS decision of this week has moved our country much closer to being an fascist empire and not a democratic republic.

Nevertheless, this is not what people are talking about today even though it should be. The topic of the day is whether Joe Biden is too old for a second round as president. So what about age and political power? Is a person over the age of 80 too old to govern well?

Thinking back at cases in history of political leaders in their 80's, three names jump immediately into mind, Konrad Adenauer, Paul von Hindenburg, and Philippe Pétain. All of them played major roles in history in their 80's. One was brilliant. The other two were disastrous.

Adenauer was Chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963 when he left at the age of 87. His nickname was "the Old One." The consensus is that he was by far the greatest leader in Germany after the Second World War. In short, he led a country that was literally in ruins to become the leading country in Europe. This is often called "the German miracle." He is the best example I can think of who was as sharp and capable to the end. (He died in 1967 at age 91). At the time was no question about his abilities.

Then, I can think of two cases that were the opposite. These were men who made disastrous, to catastrophic, decisions that were related to their ages. Hindenburg was the greatest hero in Germany at the end of the First World War. He was highly revered. He was elected President of Germany (the Weimar Republic) in 1925 and served until 1934 when he died at age 86. Slow, befuddled, and confused, he appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor in 1933, not because he wanted to but because he did not know what else to do. He despised Hitler but did not have the strength to do anything about it. Age was a huge factor in arguably the worst political decision in all of human history. When Hindenburg died in 1934, Hitler combined the offices of President and Chancellor, and the rest is history.

Philippe Pétain was also too old for the crisis at hand. Coming out of the First World War, he was one of the great heroes in France. When the French army collapsed in June of 1940, Pétain was there to turn over the keys of the country to the Nazis. He made a humiliating peace with Germany and then headed the puppet Nazi regime in the southern half of the country called Vichy. He was Prime Minister of Vichy from 1940 to 1944, aged 84 to 88. He did everything he could to help the Nazis. He simply did not know what else to do. At the end of the war he was tried for treason, found guilty, and sentenced to death. The death sentence was later changed to life in prison because of his advanced age. He died in 1951 at age 95. He is remembered today as the great collaborator with the enemy.

So, my point is that age alone should not determine whether we entrust power to one. It is the physical and mental condition of the person in question. That was what was so shocking about Biden's appearance last week. He shuffled along and mumbled words that often made no sense. Sorry to say, I do not see an Adenauer here. Of course, Donald Trump is only three years younger than Biden and he has shown over and over that his mental and emotional acuity is equally in doubt. He just held it together in the debate.

The Democrats are now in a quandary about what to do. Should Biden remain as the nominee, or should he be replaced by another, and younger, person? This is a very complicated situation an analogy to which I cannot recall in American history. In 1944, people close to President FD Roosevelt knew that he was very sick and probably would not make it through another (# 4) term. This was hidden from the public, who did not even know he was in a wheelchair. However, at the time, military leaders believed the war would go on for another three years or so (the atom bomb was not ready). Sure enough, a month after his fourth inauguration, FDR died, leaving Harry Truman to wrap up the war. 

Time is of the essence for the Democrats, and the forces of evolving democracy in America. There is precious little time before the people go to the polls. The Dems will have to decide soon on whether to keep Biden or replace him. 

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. Let's all take a moment to remember who we are as a people and why we are where we are. The founding fathers, two hundred and fifty years ago, were resolute to create a country where everyone was under the law and the people could govern themselves. No kings here. A century later the country tore itself apart to decide on the battlefield whether the founding principles were true: a nation of the people, by the people, and for the people.

We Americans are now faced with a peculiar crisis unlike anything in our past. How we get through this will test our mettle to the maximum. Will we live up to the our responsibilities as the heirs of the greatest nation-state in the history of the world? Will we be true to the principles of democracy that built tis great country? We shall see.

 

2023 STATISTICS SHOW CONTINUING DECLINE OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

The Anglican Diocese of South Carolina has not posted its parochial statistics for the year 2023, but its parent, the Anglican Church in North America has posted the 2023 figures for ADSC. Find them HERE .

The official numbers for Baptized Membership in ADSC from ADSC and ACNA:

2013 - 23,181

2014 - 22,953

2015 - 22,149

2016 - 21,953

2017 - 20,602

2018 - 20,763

2019 - 20,195

2020 - 19,597

2021 - 19,712

2022 - 18,130

2023 - 17,440

Thus, in the eleven years since the schism, ADSC baptized membership fell from 23,181 to 17,440, a decline of 25%. In other words, since the schism, the new diocese has lost a quarter of its membership. The decline of confirmed members is even sharper but we do not yet have the numbers for 2023. 

But what about the people-in-the-pews? What are the trends in attendance at ADSC churches? Here are the numbers of Average Sunday Attendance in the ADSC:

2013 - 9,292

2014 - 9,325

2015 - 9,085

2016 - 9,014

2017 - 8,905

2018 - 8,875

2019 - 8,980

2020 - 8,215

2021 - 5,379

2022 - 8,353

2023 - 7,898

Thus, the annual count of the ASA fell 1,404, or 15% between 2013 and 2023.

Bishop Chip Edgar said in the diocesan convention of last March that the ADSC was "growing." The official statistics of membership and attendance show the opposite.

The ACNA likes to tout that it is vibrant and growing, in contrast to the declining Episcopal Church. The ADSC is the largest diocese in the ACNA. If it is typical of the ACNA as a whole, the ACNA definitely is not growing.

The new ADSC statistics for last year (2023) reaffirm what we have known for years, the schism led to relentless and serious decline of membership among the party that left the Episcopal Church and set up a new diocese in a new non-Anglican denomination. It may be a bit too early to declare the outright failure of the secession of 2012, but the picture is getting clearer by the year. 

 

TEETERING AT THE ABYSS

Let's be frank, dear reader, last night's battle of Atlanta was a major defeat for the forces of democracy and a big step toward the dark abyss of fascism. No one who values our constitutional democratic republic can be happy today. 

It was a defeat because Biden played right into the hands of his enemies, even more so than anyone had imagined. He appeared to be very old and at least marginally senile. It did not matter that Trump spewed out a constant stream of lies. Everyone was looking at Biden and shaking their heads at what they saw. 

If this election is about Biden, Trump wins. If this election is about Trump, Biden wins. Right now it is about Biden.

Does the debate guarantee Trump will win? Of course not. We still have four months to go before the election in November. 

As I see it, the pro-democracy party has two choices in the cold light of this morning. One, convince Biden to step aside and nominate someone else at the Democratic Convention. Two, trot Biden out soon and often holding press conferences to show that last night was not typical of the man's abilities. Both of these choices are highly problematical. Removing Biden at this stage would be a major disruption that would bring in its own set of problems. I doubt that it can be done. Hauling Biden out before the cameras again runs the risk that he could actually reinforce the anti-democratic charges that he is not up to the job. If Biden appears to be too old, once again, that might very well seal his fate. It is a lose-lose situation. 

That is why I am on the verge of despair today for my country. However, Biden is a survivor. He is now faced with the biggest challenge of his political life. He has overcome several disasters in his personal life. I, as everyone else, will be watching to see if he can overcome this one too.

If Biden wins, our constitutional democratic republic wins. If Trump wins, our country will veer off its historic track into a fascist state. Trump has made it abundantly clear he will discard the constitution and rule as a dictator. The Heritage Foundation's "Project 2025" lays this out in minute detail. This time, the anti-democratic forces are well prepared to take action immediately. 

It is up to the American people to decide. Do we as a people want democracy or fascism? Sad to say, we are a lot closer to fascism today than we were this time yesterday. Peace.     

UPDATE, 26 JUNE.

THE RT. REV. SEAN ROWE ELECTED PRESIDING BISHOP

Rowe was easily elected on the first ballot in both houses. Read the ENS article on this HERE .

EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO ELECT NEW PRESIDING BISHOP THIS WEDNESDAY

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church, meeting this week in Louisville KY, is scheduled to elect a new Presiding Bishop of TEC at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The vote will have to pass both houses of the GC, Bishops and Deputies. Both houses are being livestreamed.

There are five candidates for PB:

---the Rt. Rev. J. Scott Barker, Bishop of Nebraska.

---the Rt. Rev. Daniel G P. Gutierrez, Bp. of Diocese of Pennsylvania.

---the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bp. of Northwestern PA and Bp. Provisional of Western NY.

---the Rt. Rev. Robert Wright, Bp. of the Dio. of Atlanta.

---the Rt. Rev. DeDe Duncan-Probe, Bp. of the Dio. of Central NY.

Find biographical info on these HERE .

 STEVE WOOD ELECTED THIRD ARCHBISHOP OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA 

The College of Bishops, meeting in Latrobe, PA, today elected Steve Wood as the new head of the ACNA. Wood is the bishop of the ACNA Diocese of the Carolinas and rector of St. Andrew's Church, Mt. Pleasant SC. The Diocese of the Carolinas overlaps the territory of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. The II bishop of the ADSC, Chip Edgar, came from the Diocese of the Carolinas having served as the dean of the diocesan cathedral in Columbia.

Wood led St. Andrew's out of the old Diocese of South Carolina before the schism of 2012 after the diocesan leadership at the time had signaled its blessings. He had become a prominent critic of the Episcopal Church and had even hosted a grilling of the Presiding Bishop in a meeting of the clergy with her at St. Andrew's in 2008.

Wood takes office on 28 June. 

Find the announcement HERE .

 

FIVE MONTHS TO GO

Five months from today, the American voters will go to the polls to choose a president. The choice is between a former president, Donald Trump, and the current president, Joseph Biden. We have never been faced with a choice like this, but here we are. Somebody said it is like choosing between the old folks home and the insane asylum (not that Trump is much younger---three years). I would not disagree too much. Do we want an old man or a crazy man to run the country? 

All the polls I have seen show a toss-up, or a slight edge to Trump. We know for sure the Republican party has joined in absolute lockstep behind Trump. The lies they have spewed out since his conviction in court are shocking but not surprising. 

Last August, I posted the following about the issues I saw in the coming election. If anything, I am more convinced of this view than ever. Events have borne out my predictions. So, I think it appropriate to repeat this post as a way of reminding us of where we are five months out. As I have also said in a recent posting, there is a great deal to happen between now and then. It is going to be a wild ride. We should all fasten our seatbelts. History is on the line. 

Tomorrow marks the eightieth anniversary of D-Day, in my opinion the greatest military event in the history of the world. Thousands of Americans stormed to beaches of Normandy, and thousands died. They died because they loved their country. They loved the Constitution. They loved democracy. They were willing to give their lives for a greater cause. We  must not let their deaths be in vain.

APPROACHING GETTYSBURG II

As much as any event, the Battle of Gettysburg determined, at at least symbolized, the inevitable end of the Civil War. If the Confederacy ever had a chance to win that war, it definitely did not after Gettysburg. The Union went on to win the war, to to save the great American experiment in egalitarian democracy.

We are now approaching a new Gettysburg. This new battle, as the old, will very likely determine whether the democracy so hard won will continue, or whether America will turn to a fascist state. This is not hyperbole. This is reality.

As I have said repeatedly, America is now locked in a terrible culture war. The schism in South Carolina is the little sliver of that war on which we have focused for all these years. The bigger picture is this:  1-whether America will continue to evolve as an egalitarian democracy as it transitions into a multi-cultural nation-state of minorities, and 2-whether the reactionary counter-revolutionaries will diminish democracy enough to retain the old social structure under minority rule. Unfortunately, the two big political parties have chosen sides. The Democrats are champions of #1 and the Republicans have locked into #2. The majority of Republicans have adopted as their hero the former president, Donald Trump, even in defiance of the fact that he has been formally charged in court with ninety-one felonies against the United States. We now have proof that the serious right-wing elements in this country are planning, in detail, to transform the U.S. into a fascist dictatorship once Trump is elected president in 2024.

This "Mein Kampf" just came out. The Heritage Foundation recently published a nearly-1,000 page manifesto outlining how they intend to do this. Find "Project 2025" HERE . Find an article about this HERE . It is chilling. In a nutshell, it seeks to create a fascist state under the power of the president who would be a virtual dictator. It is to fire some 50,000 federal employees right off and replace them with right-wing activists who will carry out the dictatorship. Independent law functions as the Department of Justice and the FBI will be subjugated to the president. Meanwhile, the free press will be muzzled and Congress will be reduced to a Duma. 

Lest anyone just sweep this all aside as a lot of impossible nonsense, do not forget the highly formidable track record the Heritage Foundation has already laid down. It was the HF that engineered the transformation of the U.S. Supreme Court into a counter-revolutionary force. Interesting to note that Project 2025 does not mention SCOTUS. No need to tinker with institutions already transformed. 

In sum, the organized right-wing forces in present-day America have planned in minute detail to turn America from a democratic republic into a fascist dictatorship. They are making no attempt to hide, or even disguise this. Quite the contrary, they are right out front and everyone would be wise to read Project 2025.

I am eighty years old. When I was growing up, I never dreamed I would see such a state of affairs in my country in my lifetime. I always assumed, without even thinking about it, that democracy was the natural evolution of our country. As a white southerner who grew up under Jim Crow, I have seen giant steps toward racial reconciliation. We are not at equality yet, but I can assure you we are light years ahead of the crushing discrimination endemic in the South before the 1960's. 

And so this culture war we are enduring is the test of whether we will continue down the long, and albeit rocky road, toward a greater democratic republic where all people are treated equally and all are equal participants in power, or whether we roll back democratic gains in order to keep the old order in power. The old order is on the verge of becoming a minority group that will have to compete with others for power. This old order is essentially white men. They are the ones who feel most threatened by the loss of power to women, blacks, hispanics, asians, homosexuals, you name it. They are the ones driving the Trump train to fascism. And, they have a powerful voice in the Heritage Foundation. 

So, the election next year is simple. Do we want to continue developing the democratic republic, or do we want to roll back democracy in order to keep the old minority establishment in power. In short, democracy or fascism?

My (very long) study of history tells me that democracy will win out but that it may be a long and hard road with a lot of switchbacks. It is not a straight road and it is not easy. Let's look at the other three great western democracies. England arrived at democracy by a long and hard process. They chopped off the head of a king (1649) and kicked out another legitimate monarch (1688) before very gradually moving more power into the hands of the ordinary people. It took more than a century to reach universal suffrage in Great Britain. France violently overthrew the Old Regime (1789), chopped off thousands of heads, then spent the next century with revolutions until they finally settled on a democratic republic. Germany gained a democratic republic only as a bitter pill of the First World War. The Weimar Republic lasted a decade until it was infamously overthrown by arguably the worse regime in human history. Only in total defeat and destruction did the Germans decide to go with a democratic republic. England, France, and Germany are all prosperous, strong democratic states today but it was anything but easy for them to get there. We American have had an easier (but---do not forget the Civil War) way but now we are confronted by the internal divisions in our own society. Can a multi-cultural nation-state also be a democratic republic? 

We Americans are now being put to the test. Polls these days show a toss up between Biden and Trump in next year's election. The worst thing people who love democracy, and the great American experiment, can do now is to ignore the existential threat of the hour. It will not go away. Democracy is not an inevitable guarantee of history. Just ask the British, French, and Germans. We Americans are on the road to Gettysburg. The great battle will determine which is the stronger force in American life, democracy or fascism.

CHRONOLOGY

By Ronald J. Caldwell, PhD, Emeritus Professor of History

(last revised June 23, 2024)



  
 A listing of events in chronological order apropos the Episcopal Church schism in South Carolina.

 _______________________________

1973

Nov. 14---The State of South Carolina issued a Certificate of Incorporation to The Protestant Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina: "The purpose of the said proposed Corporation is to continue the operation of an Episcopal Diocese under the Constitution and Canons of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America."

1975

--- What is now known as Trinity School for Ministry Ambridge, Pennsylvania, was established as a conservative, evangelical school in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition. Mark Lawrence was an early alumnus. In time, many strong ties developed between Trinity and the Diocese of South Carolina and numerous alumni moved to serve as priests and deacons in the diocese. These ties became strongest in the episcopate of Mark Lawrence.

1976

---GC passed AO69 declaring homosexual persons to have "full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church."

1979

---The General Convention (GC) of the Episcopal Church (TEC) passed Resolution 3:  "There should be no barrier to the ordination of qualified persons of either heterosexual or homosexual orientation...we believe it is not appropriate for this Church to ordain a practicing homosexual..." Forty-four bishops signed a statement rejecting the resolution.

---GC also adopted the Dennis Canon into the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church: "All real and personal property...is held in trust for this Church and the Diocese..." The Diocese of South Carolina renewed this as the first article in its Constitution and Canons every year until the DSC convention of Oct. 15, 2010 voted to remove it from the diocesan Constitution and Canons.

1980

 May 17--- Christopher FitzSimons Allison (b. Mar. 5, 1927) elected Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of South Carolina (DSC)

Sept. 25---Allison consecrated Bishop Coadjutor.

1982

Jan 1--Retirement of Bishop Gray Temple.

Jan. 2---Allison became Bishop of DSC.

1985

---GC defeated a resolution:  "No one shall be denied access to the ordination process in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation..."; passed DO82 calling for "support" of homosexuals.

September 26-28---The Diocese of South Carolina (DSC) meeting in its One-Hundred Ninety-Fifth annual convention, in Charleston, passed a resolution:  "That the 1985 meeting of the Convention of the Diocese of South Carolina respectfully notify the Presiding Bishop-Elect that we do not approve the ordination of practicing homosexuals."

Dec. 1---George Edward Haynsworth became Assistant Bishop of DSC.

1987

---TEC issued a booklet "Sexuality: A Divine Gift." Critics were outraged. Bp Allison condemned it.

  

1988

---DSC annual convention requested the Presiding Bishop (PB) to withdraw "Sexuality: A Divine Gift." It was withdrawn.

1989

Sept. 7---Edward Lloyd Salmon, Jr. (b. Jan. 30, 1934) elected Bishop.

Dec. 16---Bishop John Spong, of Newark, ordained Robert Williams, an open and partnered gay man, to the priesthood. 



1990



February---In Jubilate Deo, the Rev. Kendall Harmon, Assistant at Holy Comforter, Sumter, posted an editorial strongly denouncing Williams' ordination, Bp Spong's part in it, and even the Presiding Bishop's failure to intervene. 

Feb. 22-24---DSC annual convention: Bp. Allison condemned the ordinations of homosexuals; convention passed a resolution that it "deplores the ordination of Robert Williams by Bishop Spong as a violation of the teaching of scripture and the Episcopal Church" and asked the House of Bishops to take disciplinary action against Spong; another resolution called on the House of Bishops and the Presiding Bishop to "censure the Bishop of Newark."

February 24--Bp Allison retired. Edward L. Salmon, Jr., consecrated Bishop of DSC (served until 2008) with Presiding Bishop Browning as chief consecrator.

April---In Jubilate Deo, the Rev. Kendall Harmon, Assistant at Holy Comforter, Sumter, posted a book review of Dirt, Greed, and Sex in which he denounced homosexuality among other expressions of sex.

Fall --- the Rt. Rev. Walter Righter, Assistant Bishop of Newark, ordained Barry Stopfel a deacon in the Diocese of Newark. Stopfel was an open and partnered homosexual man. In 1991, Stopfel was ordained a priest by the Rt. Rev. John S. Spong of Newark.

Oct. 19-20---Episcopalians United, a self-styled traditionalist group, held a conference in Charleston at St. Philip's and St. Michael's.

Dec. 31---Bp Haynsworth retired.

1991

--GC, meeting in Phoenix AZ, dominated by widely competing views on sexuality in contentious sessions; no consensus on the ordination of homosexual persons. It called for deeper dialogue on human sexuality.

Nov. 8---the Episcopal Synod of America, a traditionalist group, met in Fresno CA (Diocese of San Joaquin) and formed a "missionary diocese." The Presiding Bishop asked them not to implement their plan as it would lead to schism.

Nov. 14---Canon Michael Malone and Mrs. Rosemary Drakeford conducted a workshop in Pinopolis for parish facilitators to discuss the issues raised by the GC.

1992

March 13-14---DSC annual convention passed a resolution including: "Genital sexual expression is to be understood and taught as God's gift exclusively for men and women united in Holy Matrimony."

1993

April 20---DSC Standing Committee voted to direct its President (Rev. Ladson Mills III) "to respond to S.J. [sic] George's Parish, Maplewood, New Jersey expressing grave concern over their calling an openly practicing homosexual as their rector and allowing him and his partner to live in the rectory."

  

1994

---GC met in Indianapolis and amended Canon I.15.5 to read: "No person shall be denied...equal place...[in] this Church...because of...sexual orientation." It also issued a study document on human sexuality affirming only heterosexual relations. At the meeting, 106 bishops, including those from SC, signed a statement that said in part:  "Marriage is a union of husband and wife, one man and one woman..." and "Sexual relationships between members of the same sex are also a denial of God's plan, and cannot be condoned by the Church."

1995

February---Ten conservative bishops filed charges of heresy against Bishop Righter. On May 15, 1996 a Church court dismissed charges against Righter holding that neither the doctrine nor the discipline of TEC prohibited the ordination of a homosexual person in a committed relationship.

Oct. 7---the Very Rev. William Skilton elected Bishop Suffragan over four other candidates.  

1996

---the Rev. Kendall Harmon joined the "Editorial Advisory Board" of Jubilate Deo, the DSC newsletter. He remained on the Board until 2002 when he became "Editor."

Mar. 2---Skilton consecrated Bp Suffragan; served until 2007.

1997

Jan. 23-26---SEAD (Scholarly Engagement with Anglican Doctrine) met at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul. This conservative group had met annually at Virginia Theological Seminary. Later this was replaced by Mere Anglicanism.

Feb. 28-Mar. 1---At DSC annual convention, Bp Salmon declared "We expect Holy Matrimony to be the context for sexual relations." and "We do not bless single-gender relationships as Holy Matrimony."

---GC met and passed resolution apologizing to homosexual persons "for years of rejection and mistreatment by the Church."


September 8-9 --- Representatives of various traditionalist groups met at All Saints, Pawleys Island. Host was Chuck Murphy. Issued "First Promise" denouncing the 1997 General Convention on: new presiding bishop, ordination of women, and sexuality. Attendees included Bp Allison, Dow Sanderson, Kendall Harmon.

October --- The Council of DSC adopted three resolutions in reaction to TEC General Convention:  1-local churches could withhold money to TEC, 2-seek associations outside TEC,  3-opposition to the mandatory ministry of ordained women in every diocese.

1998

Feb. 27-28---At DSC annual convention, Bp Salmon deplored the recent vote of GC "which now makes the ordination of women mandatory" and added that many voices were calling to "...remove funding from the National Church..."

---Lambeth conference issues statement that homosexual practice was contrary to Scripture: "cannot advise the legitimizing or blessing of same sex unions nor ordaining those involved in same gender unions."

Aug.-Sept.---Bp Salmon announced that he and thirty other conservative bishops had signed a "Declaration to the Church" dissociating from "John Spong and his '12 Theses' as they in no way represent the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church." Spong was a leading liberal bishop.

1999

Mar. 5-6---DSC annual convention passed a resolution endorsing the Lambeth statement: "...hereby accept and declare that this Diocese...will not enact or continue in force any policy or take any action in conflict with the above said Resolutions of Lambeth 1998."


Oct. 1 --- Cambridge Accord defended equal rights for homosexual persons; signed by many Anglican bishops around the world.



  

2000



  

Jan. 29--- Allison one of six bishops to consecrate as bishops Charles H. Murphy, III, rector of All Saints, Pawleys Island, and John H. Rogers, Jr., dean emeritus of Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge PA, in Singapore. The Archbishop of Canterbury (ABC) expressed grave disappointment. the Presiding Bishop, Frank Griswold, said "I am appalled."

Feb. 11-12---at DSC annual convention, Bp Salmon recognized Murphy as a bishop and said that while he was not officially a priest of DSC, he continue on the staff of All Saints, Pawleys Island.

---GC approved: Resolution DO39 to "acknowledge" homosexual couples; and CO43 supporting the Cambridge Accord (Oct. 1, 1999) promoting rights for homosexuals.

August --- Murphy and Rogers form Anglican Mission in America (AMiA) under the auspices of Rwanda and South East Asia.

September --- DSC filed notice that All Saints, Pawleys Island, holds its property in trust for DSC and TEC. All Saints sued to claim the property.

Nov. 27-29---US Anglican Leader's Summit met in Atlanta. The Rev. Frank Limehouse III represented DSC at the request of Bp Salmon. It was meant to rally and unify "orthodox," or traditionalist Episcopalians and Anglicans.

2001



  

Jan. 4 --- DSC Standing Committee gave consent to election of the Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as Bishop of Nevada.


March 8-10---at the annual DSC convention a resolution was offered: "Diocese of South Carolina's strong objections to the actions of the House of Bishops and the General Convention of 2000 and warns that if further action is taken to implement the proposed changing of the Book of Common Prayer to include a "marriage" service for same-sex couples, the blessing of same-sex couples and the authorizing of non-celibate homosexual persons...South Carolina will be forced to reconsider its relationship with the Episcopal Church..." This resolution was tabled and therefore not passed.

June 24 --- Allison one of six bishops consecrating two new bishops for AMiA in Denver. Bp Salmon wrote in Jubilate Deo, "I profoundly regret the decision of the Anglican Mission in America leadership to take such a step."

Oct. 15 --- a state judge ruled against DSC in All Saints, Pawleys Island, case. DSC appealed.

2002

Jan.---the Rev. Kendall Harmon became Editor of Jubilate Deo, a post

he kept until 2009 when be became Assistant Editor.

Mar. 12---Salmon, Skilton, and Allison among 19 bishops issuing "An Appeal for the Preservation of Godly Union" ["traditional orthodox faith"] at the House of Bishops meeting, Camp Allen TX.



2003



  

March 18---the House of Bishops adopted a report, "The Gift of Sexuality: A Theological Perspective," compiled by its Theology Committee:  "Because at this time we are nowhere near consensus in the Church regarding the blessing of homosexual relationships, we cannot recommend authorizing the development of new rites for such blessings."  While it took no explicit stand on the ordination of homosexual persons, it implied opposition: "we believe it is imperative that the Episcopal Church refrain from any attempt to 'settle' the matter legislatively." 

June 7---Diocese of New Hampshire elected Rev. Gene Robinson, an openly gay and partnered priest, as its next bishop.
---Salmon, Skilton, and Harmon issued a letter strongly condemning Robinson's election.

June 9---Salmon, Bishop Duncan of Pittsburgh, and Harmon issued a joint statement strongly advising the rejection of Robinson's election.

July 15---Salmon, Skilton, and Allison among 24 bishops issuing a statement declaring "impaired communion" with the Canadian Diocese of New Westminster that had recently approved liturgies for the blessings of same-sex unions.

July 23---Salmon, Skilton, and Harmon attend conservative meeting in Fairfax VA calling on GC to reject Robinson.

Aug.-Sept.---in Jubilate Deo, Bps. Salmon and Skilton denounced the election of Robinson as "clear repudiation of the teaching of Holy Scripture and the tradition of the church" and called on GC to reject the election.


---GC revised Canon III.1.2 to read: "No person shall be denied access to...any ministry...in this Church because of...sexual orientation..."

Aug. 5 --- House of Bishops (HOB) at GC voted 62-43 to confirm Gene Robinson as the next bishop of New Hampshire. Before the vote, deputy the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence, of San Joaquin, spoke on behalf of the minority report composed by himself and two others. Their report condemned same-sex relationships.

Aug. 6---the Rev. Kendall Harmon made a speech on the floor of the House of Deputies at GC calling the vote on Robinson "catastrophic."

Aug. 18---Salmon met with the clergy of DSC on a "deadly serious situation" [Robinson].


Aug. 18 --- DSC Standing Committee passed a resolution to call a special diocesan convention in the Fall; passed another resolution declaring the acts of the recent GC on Robinson and blessing of same-sex unions "in conflict with the Canons of the Diocese of South Carolina and have no binding effect in the Diocese."


Oct. 2 --- DSC held a special convention to condemn the actions of General Convention (GC). Bp. Salmon said "The General Convention has endorsed a new religion." The Standing Committee offered a resolution: "Episcopal Church has exceeded its authority and departed from its constitution, in confirming the election, as bishop, of a non-celibate homosexual man and in permitting same-sex blessings..." and "urges recognition by the International Primates, of those orthodox dioceses and parishes...as the legitimate expression of the Anglican Communion ...in the United States." The first part condemned the confirmation of Bp Robinson; the second part called for splitting TEC.

The Rev. Tommy Tipton, of Holy Cross/Faith Memorial in Pawleys Island, presented a statement protesting the resolution signed by 19 clergy. Steve Skardon also presented a substitute resolution. All were voted down. With the change of one word, "apostasy" to "actions" the resolution passed.

Oct. 7-9---American Anglican Council held a meeting of "orthodox" leaders at Plano TX.

Oct. 18---80-page report issued by panel of 17 called by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams called on the 50 bishops who consecrated Robinson to express regret but did not expel TEC from the AC. Kendall Harmon said this was not sufficient.

Oct. 23---Kendall Harmon attended meeting of conservatives at Truro Episcopal Church in VA that agreed to form a "network of confessing dioceses and parishes."

Nov. 2---Robinson consecrated Bishop of New Hampshire. Kendall Harmon sent as representative of American Anglican Council alternative meeting of 500 protesters.

Nov. 4---Salmon, Skilton, and Allison among 38 bishops issuing a statement condemning Robinson's consecration.

Nov. 20---Salmon one of four bishops issuing a "Memorandum of Agreement on Establishing a Network of Confessing Dioceses and Congregations in the Episcopal Church" at "The Mainstream Meeting." The statement of the meeting called on the Global South primates to recognize the Network, to separate from the Archbishop of Canterbury if he did not support them, and to campaign in the Anglican Communion against TEC. The bishops said "We commit to the guerilla warfare of the next year."


Nov. 25 --- DSC Standing Committee passed resolution to join the "Network of Confessing Dioceses and Congregations." SC one of four dioceses forming the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes, in opposition to Robinson.

Dec.---Group of five friends met and resolved to set up organization to keep link between TEC and DSC: Barbara Mann, Marcy Walsh, Tom Myers, Dottie Pagliaro, and Lynn Pagliaro. Episcopal Forum of South Carolina formed with stated goal "to insure that the Episcopal Diocese of SC continues to exist in full participation with ECUSA..." Lynn Pagliaro served as first president.


Dec. 23 --- Bp Salmon reported that only St. Stephen's of Charleston, and Holy Cross/Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island, may want to transfer to another bishop while Grace Church, Charleston, and All Saints on Hilton Head were divided.


Dec. 28---The Chapman Memo, by Rev. Geoff Chapman, rector of St. Stephen's, Sewickley PA, Diocese of Pittsburgh, on behalf of the American Anglican Council and its Bishops' Committee on Adequate Episcopal Oversight (AEO):   "Our ultimate goal is a realignment of Anglicanism on North American soil...We believe in the end this should be a 'replacement' jurisdiction [to replace TEC]. It then laid out a plan in three stages to accomplish this goal. The Memo was secret and stressed keeping it secret while passing it around only "orthodox" clergy (the Memo was immediately leaked). It is possible that the Chapman Memo became the blueprint for the parochial and diocesan secession movement that exploded after Robinson's affirmation.

2004



Jan. 8-9---"The Future of the Anglican Communion" conference met at St. Philip's, sponsored by the Anglican Communion Institute, an orthodox think tank. This evolved into the annual conference in Charleston called Mere Anglicanism.

Jan. 19-20---Bp Salmon attended the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Congregations meeting in Dallas (Plano). SC one of twelve dioceses represented. The group elected Bishop Duncan, of Pittsburgh, its moderator, and drew up a Ten Point Plan opposing the recent decisions of GC. Chapman (see Dec. 28, 2003) addressed the conference. This group was soon commonly called the Anglican Communion Network. Salmon and Harmon soon figured prominently in the leadership of ACN. DSXC delegation in Plano: Rev. Steve Wood, Rev. John Burwell, Bp. Skilton, Lydia Evans, and Clayton Burroughs.

--- All Saints, Pawleys Island, voted to withdraw from TEC and DSC and align with AMiA, under Province of Rwanda.

Feb. 23 --- Episcopal Forum of South Carolina hosted a meeting "Seeking Unity in Diversity" in Charleston seeking common ground after the disagreements on Robinson.

March 3---The Barfoot Memorandum called for alternative primatial oversight from overseas as a step to replacing TEC.

Mar. 5---The first newsletter of the Episcopal Forum of SC suggested that the ACN may well be schismatic.

Aug. 27-Sept. 11---The Anglican Communion Network, which formed in reaction to Robinson's approval, held meetings at St. Philip's, Church of the Cross in Bluffton, and Church of the Holy Comforter in Sumter led by prominent conservatives in opposition to the decisions of TEC. (While Episcopal Forum represented the pro-TEC forces, the ACC came to represent the anti-TEC side). Jubilate Deo began carrying frequent news from ACC.

Oct. 18---The Windsor Report was issued:  recommended a moratorium on acceptance of homosexual persons as bishops and on the blessing of same-sex unions; recommended an "Anglican Covenant" whereby provinces would consult with the AC; recommended those promoting "disunity" to "express regret"; did not recommend discipline against TEC.

Nov. 1---Standing Committee voted resolutions supporting the Windsor Report and calling on bishops who supported Bp Robinson to "express regret" and remove themselves from "representative functions in the Anglican Communion." At the same time it brushed aside the cross-boundary interventions as "...actions to be of lesser concern..."

2005

Jan. 12-13---House of Bishops met in Salt Lake City. Salmon served as chief spokesman for the Anglican Communion Network that denounced the affirmation of Robinson. Salmon, Skilton, and Allison among 29 bishops who issued a statement criticizing the HOB for it weak stand on the Windsor Report and strongly endorsing the Report.

March 4-5---at the annual DSC convention, Bp Salmon endorsed the Windsor Report. The Rev. Greg Kronz was appointed to head a bishop's search committee. Resolution passed: "this Diocese honor the moratoria, as expressed in the Windsor Report, 1)the consecration of all candidates to the episcopate who are engaged in same-sex relationships..., 2)the blessing of same-sex relationships, and 3)...we will neither encourage nor initiate cross-boundary interventions..." The Rev. Canon Kendall Harmon offered two resolutions that passed identifying DSC with the wider Anglican Communion.

The bishop's search committee:  Rev. Greg Kronz, chair; the Very Rev. Craige Borrett; the Rev. Paul Fuener; the Rev. Anthony Kowbeidu; the Rev. Jeffrey Miller; the Very Rev. John Scott; the Rev. David Thurlow; John Bowden; Lydia Evans; Martha Flowers; Frances Fuchs; Keith Lackey. All but Lackey came from parishes that later "disassociated" from TEC. [Lackey later left the parish, DSC and TEC for the Ordinariate of the Roman Catholic Church.]


April 18-20---the Anglican Communion Network met in Bedford TX. SC was represented.

July 18-21---Salmon one of 19 bishops meeting in Los Angeles. No agreement.


Nov. 11-12---the Anglican Communion Network met in Pittsburgh. SC represented. A group associated with ACN issued a DVD that was distributed to the 2000+ attendees. It followed the themes of the Chapman Memo in strongly denouncing TEC and clearly suggesting that Episcopalians should abandon the Church. Harmon was a featured speaker on the DVD. It also included two videos, "Choose This Day" and "The Decision." Lawrence reiterated the themes of the videos in his two essays below of 2006.

2006



  

January---Bishop Salmon reached the mandatory age of retirement. At the request of the Standing Committee, Salmon continued to serve as the acting bishop of the diocese until Lawrence's consecration on Jan. 26, 2008.

Jan. 30---Rev. Mark Lawrence, rector of St. Paul's, Bakersfield, issued "A Prognosis for This Body Episcopal" that called for the end of the independent Episcopal Church:  "Our very survival, let alone our growth, necessitates the surrender of our autonomy to the governance of the larger church--that is, the Anglican Communion."


Feb. 27 --- DSC Standing Committee noted that All Saints, Pawleys Island, had rejected two offers of a compromise settlement.


March ---at a service in St. Paul's, Bakersfield CA, where he was rector (1997-2007), Mark Lawrence said he received a revelation from God that he was to embark on a journey. In May he allowed his name to be submitted for bishop of SC.

May 10-14---ACC held meetings in Holy Comforter Sumter, St Helena's Beaufort, and St. Philip's, to discuss issues in the upcoming GC.

June --- Katharine Jefferts Schori elected Presiding Bishop (PB) of TEC.

---GC passed: BO33 calling on dioceses to "exercise restraint" by not consenting to homosexuals; A167 affirming equality for homosexuals; AO95 calling for civi protection of same-sex couples.

June---Bps Salmon and Skilton published a pastoral letter revealing shock at the election of Bp Jefferts Schori and dismay at GC's failure to conform to the Windsor Report. 

June 21---Salmon, Skilton, and Allison among 24 bishops issuing statement condemning the "failure" of GC to take adequate action.

July 23---Rev. Lawrence posted an essay "Remaining Anglican: In Defense of Dissociation" holding that TEC was hopelessly in error and endorsing "alternative primatial oversight" [outside of TEC].

June 26 --- DSC Standing Committee voted unanimously to request from the Archbishop of Canterbury an Alternative Primatial Relationship. This was approved by resolution of the DSC convention of Nov. 9-10.


July 6 --- DSC Standing Committee interviewed four candidates for bishop: Mark Lawrence, John Burwell, Ellis Brust, and Steve Wood. Lawrence, Brust and Wood were approved.


August 26 --- DSC Standing Committee received a petition to make the Rev. Dow Sanderson a candidate for bishop. The Committee unanimously rejected it.


Sept. 11-13---Salmon among conservative bishops meeting in New York at invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Presiding Bishop. No agreement. (See Nov. 27)

Sept. 16 --- Special convention of the DSC. Mark Lawrence elected bishop of over Ellis E. Brust (chief operating officer of the American Anglican Council) and Stephen D. Wood (rector, St. Andrew's, Mt. Pleasant). [all three later left TEC]. TEC rules allowed 120 days after formalities to receive consents from the majority of 111 dioceses (minimum of 56).

Sept. 22---Salmon among 21 bishops who met at Camp Allen TX and sent a letter to HOB supporting the Windsor Report and endorsing the Anglican Covenant.

Sept. 28---Episcopal Forum held a meeting in Charleston.

Oct. 19 --- Via Media USA, affiliated with Episcopal Forum, sent letters to all dioceses stating that Lawrence would be a threat to the unity of the church.

Oct. 27---The Bishop of Dallas withdrew his request for Alternate Primatial Oversight.

Nov. 9-10 --- Annual meeting of the DSC. In his Bishop's Address, Bp Salmon criticized the new PB for her theological "relativism" and her philosophy of social gospel. The Convention passed Resolution # 1, "in requesting from the Archbishop of Canterbury and Alternative Primatial Relationship" (see June 26).

Nov. 27---Outcome of Sept. 11-13 meeting, PB and bishops issued a proposal for a Primatial Vicar to serve those dioceses that requested Alternative Primatial Oversight. The proposal was sent to the ABC and the petitioning bishops.

Dec. --- Bp Suffragan Skilton resigned office (effective Dec. 31) at the request of the DSC Standing Committee upon its agreement with the bishop-elect. Skilton wrote "I believe my departure will enable Father Lawrence to create a diocesan staff that will more effectively respond to is developing vision..." As Bishop of SC, Lawrence did hire a new staff, a new Canon to the Ordinary, and a new Visiting Bishop.

Dec. 26---St. Stephen's Church, Anson Street in Charleston, adopted a resolution to support TEC.

2007



  

March 7---Lawrence sent a letter to the Standing Committees of TEC: "...my intention is to remain in The Episcopal Church."

March 12---deadline for consents from Standing Committees for election of Lawrence as Bishop. 56 was the minimum number for approval. As of 3-3-07 46 consents had been made. 55 received by 3-12-07. PB added three days to deadline.

March 15 --- PB declared Lawrence's election null and void. Several dioceses had submitted electronic consents when the Canons required written signatures. PB announced that 50 votes were legal, six less than required. Lawrence blamed his loss on smear campaign of liberals.

April 9---HOB Task Force on Property Disputes issued a report, "Connecting the Dots," detailing a well-organized plan among conservatives to remove property of TEC.

April 17---DSC Standing Committee resolved unanimously to reconvene the diocesan convention in June.

April 26---Salmon one of seven bishops calling themselves "The Steering Committee of the Windsor Bishops" who wrote the ABC affirming their strong support for Windsor.

May 5---the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence addressed the annual meeting of the Episcopal Church Women in Beaufort.

June 7---Episcopal Forum sent a letter to the PB asking her to appoint an interim bishop. (Salmon had retired at mandatory age of 72.)


June 9---meeting of "Re-Convened 216th Convention" that decided on a new convention to elect a bishop to be held on Aug. 4.

June 11-14---The Executive Council of TEC resolved: -every diocese is required to give unqualified accession to the Constitution and Canons of TEC;  -any amendment to a diocesan constitution that attempts to change this is null and void. 

August 4 --- DSC convention elected Lawrence as Bishop. His was the only name on the ballot.


Sept. 18 --- DSC Diocesan Council passed a resolution inviting Presiding Bishop Jefferts-Schori to the diocese in February of 2008.


Sept. 19---PB announced that 8 bishops had agreed to serve as "episcopal visitors" to dioceses that had requested pastoral oversight other than the PB. [see Sept. 20]

Sept. 20-25---HOB met with ABC in New Orleans. Salmon issued a letter criticizing the meeting and rejecting the PB's offer of alternative oversight [Sept. 19] as not meeting the "needs of those who asked for it."

Oct. 29 --- PB announced Lawrence had received the consents necessary for him to become the next bishop of DSC.

Nov. 3---Episcopal Forum held a conference at Middleton Place.

Dec. 8 ---Diocesan convention in San Joaquin voted to leave TEC for the Province of the Southern Cone. Mark Lawrence, of St. Paul's in Bakersfield, was not present as he was on sabbatical in North Carolina. St. Paul's voted for secession.

2008



  

Jan. 11---PB inhibited Schofield (Bp of San Joaquin).

Jan. 26 --- Lawrence consecrated Bishop of DSC at Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, Charleston. The PB was not invited. Chief consecrator was Bp E. Clifton Daniel, of East Carolina. David Booth Beers present to guide officials in legalities.

Feb. 25-26 --- PB visited DSC. Lawrence met with PB.

March 7-12 --- Lawrence attended meeting of HOB. Discussion of Windsor Report.

March 12--- Bp Schofield of San Joaquin deposed by vote of the House of Bishops.

Mar. 27 --- DSC Standing Committee and Bp Lawrence sent a letter to PB protesting the deposition of Schofield. [Almost all minutes of all meetings of the DSC Standing Committee are still held secret, unavailable to the public; only a few selected lines have been released.]

May 14-17---Lawrence at Trinity School for Ministry (Ambridge PA) for Board of Trustees meeting.

May 21-24---Lawrence at Nashotah House in Wisconsin to receive an honorary doctor's degree and meet with conservative bishops on the Board of Trustees.

June 3-4---Lawrence attended Province IV bishops' meeting at Kanuga. Discussion of upcoming Lambeth conference.

June 23-27 --- Lawrence attended the GAFCON conference [GAFCON I]in Jerusalem. Conference issues "The Jerusalem Declaration" that includes: "marriage between one man and one woman as the proper place for sexual intimacy and the basis of the family" and "we reject the authority of those churches and leaders who have denied the orthodox faith [e.g. The Episcopal Church]." Many bishops at GAFCON refused to attend Lambeth.

July 6---Lawrence journeyed to England for meetings.

July 17-Aug. 3 --- Lawrence attended the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury.

August 3---Lawrence was quoted as saying GAFCON was the heir apparent to assume leadership of the AC.

Sept. 11---Lawrence meets with the DSC clergy and stressed building bonds with Anglicans beyond TEC.

Sept. 17-19 --- Lawrence attended a meeting of HOB in Salt Lake City and protested the depositions of Schofield and Duncan. HOB deposed Duncan by vote of 88 yes, 35 no and 4 abstaining.

Oct. 1-3---Lawrence in Ambridge PA for Board of Trustees meeting of Trinity School for Ministry

Oct. 6-8---Lawrence in Sewanee TN to receive honorary doctor's degree and meet with Board of Trustees.

Nov. 6 ---DSC Standing Committee unanimously passed resolutions:  -supporting the Jerusalem Declaration as set forth in the GAFCON Conference,  2-non-recognition of the deposition of Duncan.

Dec. 3-5---Lawrence attends Province IV bishops' meeting in Jacksonville FL.

Dec. 3---Common Cause Partnership, led by Robert Duncan, formed the Anglican Church in North America, an association of various independent conservative groups.

Dec. 8-9 --- Lawrence attended the Anglican Communion Network convention in Overland Park, KS. [This is the tenth meeting Lawrence attended in 2008 outside of SC.]

2009





 Feb. 16-18---Lawrence in Belleville IL for a Men's Conference and Clergy Pre-Lenten Retreat for the Diocese of Springfield.

March 12-13 --- In his first address to an annual convention of DSC, Lawrence denounced TEC for what he called "compromises toward the Uniqueness of Christ, " "non-Canonical actions,"  and "controversies regarding Human Sexuality," but gave no specifics. In the same moment, he first publicly raised the idea that DSC might not continue to accede to and adopt the Constitution and Canons of TEC.
---In the convention, the Revs. Borrett and Harmon introduced a resolution to "Request that General Convention be suspended." This was defeated in the house of clergy. [This was the last resolution to be defeated in Lawrence's tenure.] However, resolutions were passed supporting the proposed Anglican Covenant and the Uniqueness of Christ.
---Convention also approved the office of Canon to the Ordinary. Bp. Lawrence appointed the Rev. Jim Lewis.

March 15-18---Lawrence attends House of Bishops meeting at Kanuga.

March 30-April 1---Lawrence in Bakersfield CA for ordination of his son Chad at St. Paul's Anglican Church, where Lawrence had been rector 1997-2007. St. Paul's was one of the parishes of San Joaquin that had left the Episcopal Church in 2007 under Bp Schofield. (St. Paul's returned to TEC in 2013.) 

April 15-17---Lawrence in Houston TX for meeting of Anglican Communion Partners and the Anglican Communion Institute.

April 22 --- Lawrence and 14 other bishops released 13-page document "Bishops' Statement on the Polity of the Episcopal Church" asserting virtual sovereignty of the individual dioceses.

May 18-21---Lawrence at Lake Logan NC for College of Bishops meeting.


May 29-30 --- DSC Standing Committee approved transfer of $3.5m in property to an irrevocable trust at St. Andrew's Church, Mt. Pleasant. This passed after Lawrence offered prayers for the discernment of the Committee.


June 2-4---Lawrence at Kanuga for Province IV bishops' meeting.

June 22---Anglican Church in North America formed. Robert Duncan chosen archbishop.

July-7-18---Lawrence in Anaheim CA for General Convention. GC passed DO25 and CO56 favoring homosexuals in the ministry and the blessing of same-sex unions. Lawrence one of several bishops of the Communion Partners writing the Anaheim Statement, issued on July 16, condemning the resolutions; 35 bishops signed the Statement.

July 19-21---Lawrence in Bakersfield CA to attend St. Paul's Anglican Church.

July --- St. Andrew's, of Mt. Pleasant, transferred property worth $3.45 million into a land trust.

July 28---Lawrence, DSC Standing Committee, deans, and Harmon met in wake of GC. Drew up resolutions to present at Oct. convention (see Oct. 24).

Aug. 13 --- In response to GC, Lawrence addressed the clergy of DSC condemning "the false gospel of indiscriminate inclusivity [rights for homosexuals]" and calling on DSC to distance itself from TEC.

Sept. 1-3 --- In the wake of GC, Lawrence and other Anglican Communion Network bishops met with the Archbishop of Canterbury in London.

---In late 2009 the final draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant was sent to the Anglican provinces for approval.

Sept. 18 --- SC Supreme Court reversed the trial court's decision and ruled in favor of All Saints, Pawleys Island, against DSC. The Court said All Saints held title to its property and the Dennis Canon had had no effect on that.  Neither DSC nor TEC appealed to the US Supreme Court. [see Feb. 12, 2010.]

Sept. 21-23---Lawrence in Albany NY to address a clergy retreat in the Diocese of Albany.

Oct. --- Lawrence invited Tom Tisdale to lunch; 2 1/2 hour conversation on issues in the DSC.


Oct. 20 --- DSC Standing Committee discussed resolutions for upcoming special convention; Calvary Church, Charleston, sent letter opposing withdrawing from governing bodies of TEC; Committee spent much time rewording R-5, "The Rubric of Love" and offered an amendment.


Oct. 22 --- Bonnie Anderson, president of TEC House of Deputies, sent letter to DSC--decisions of General Convention are binding on the dioceses.

Oct. 24 --- DSC held special convention and voted  -to begin withdrawing from all bodies of TEC that are in error,  -declared DO25 and CO56 null and void in DSC.

Nov. 3-4---Bishops and other representatives of seven conservative dioceses, including SC, met in Charleston to plan strategy.
Nov. 17--- Attorney Alan Runyan formally retained as counsel for DSC; became lead lawyer for DSC in litigation 2013+.

Dec. --- David Booth Beers retained Tom Tisdale as counsel for TEC in DSC.


Dec. 1 --- St. Luke's, Hilton Head, voted to remove all references to TEC.

Dec. --- Trinity Church, Myrtle Beach, voted to remove all references to TEC.

Dec. 5 --- Mary Glasspool elected by Diocese of Los Angeles to be Suffragan Bishop. [Consecrated in May 2010]. She was the second openly homosexual person to be made a bishop in the Episcopal Church.

Dec. 5 --- Episcopal Forum held a symposium in Charleston, "I an Episcopalian."


Dec. 12 --- Andrew Waldo elected bishop of Upper South Carolina. John Burwell was also a candidate (DSC Standing Committee had unanimously rejected consent to Waldo's election).


Dec. 17 --- St. Andrew's of Mt. Pleasant voted as a congregation to leave the Episcopal Church for the ACNA.  [see Mar. 28, 2010.]

Dec. 31 --- Tisdale met Wade Logan for conversation.

2010



  

January --- Mere Anglicanism conference in Charleston with theme of gender, identity, and sexuality focused on the evils of homosexuality.

Jan. 25-29 --- Thomas S. Tisdale, attorney for TEC sent 9 letters requesting information on certain parishes. Logan showed letters to Lawrence. Lawrence declared a crisis. DSC refused to give any information to Tisdale.

Feb. 9---Lawrence announced he was postponing diocesan convention from Mar. 4-5 to Mar. 26.

Feb. 12 --- Vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church, Pawleys Island, filed a motion in the U.S. Supreme Court for appealing the SC Supreme Court decision on All Saints Waccamaw. Neither DSC nor TEC joined.

Feb. 19-22 --- PB met with the Executive Committee of TEC. Discussed SC. No agreement.

Feb. 22-25---Lawrence in Birmingham AL to preach at Cathedral Church of the Advent, Very Rev. Frank Limehouse, dean.

Mar. 6 --- Episcopal Forum hosted conference in Charleston, "Enthusiastically Episcopalian."

Mar. 17 --- Lease agreement between the Trustees of DSC and Mark Lawrence. Episcopal residence at 50 Smith Street, Charleston, leased to Lawrence for one dollar a year for five years with option for another five years. In effect regardless of his status as bishop. [Entered as Exhibit DSC-28, Circuit Court trial, July 8, 2014]
---Trustees also adopted new Bylaws naming the Bishop as the President of the Corporation (see Jan. 4, 2013).


Mar. 19-24 --- Lawrence attended the HOB meeting in Camp Allen TX.
-----The Theology Committee of the HOB issued a report "Same-Sex Relationships in the Life of the Church," an 87-page study from leading authorities on both the "Traditionalist" and "Liberal" sides. This report is to date the most scholarly, balanced discussion of this topic but it drew no conclusions.
-----Andrew Waldo (bishop-elect of Upper South Carolina) and Lawrence had 1 1/2 hour get-acquainted meeting at HOB.


Mar. --- All Saints Episcopal and All Saints Anglican, Pawleys Island agreed on settlement: property valued at $10m and name to Anglicans, $375,000 to Episcopalians. All Saints Episcopal dropped appeal to Supreme Court [see Feb. 12].

Mar. 26 --- DSC convention met after being postponed (from Mar. 4-5). Demanded PB withdraw her attorney; declared DSC a "sovereign" diocese.

Mar. 28--- St. Andrew's, of Mt. Pleasant. Vestry formally enacts disassociation from DSC and TEC (congregational vote of Dec. 17).

April-May---Episcopal Forum held five regional meetings around diocese. 

April 17-32 --- Lawrence attended the Global South to South Encounter, in Singapore, a meeting of conservative Anglican bishops.

May 12-14---Lawrence in Sewickley PA for Trinity School for Ministry Board of Trustees meeting.

May 15---Mary D. Glasspool, consecrated as Suffragan Bishop of Los Angeles. Glasspool was the second openly homosexual person to be made a bishop of TEC.

May 20---Lawrence at Nashotah House, Wisconsin, to attend commencement.


May 22 --- Andrew Waldo consecrated bishop of Upper South Carolina in Christ Church, Greenville. Lawrence did not attend.


July 16 --- DSC Standing Committee resolved non-recognition of Mary Glasspool as a bishop of the Episcopal Church.


August 25-26---Lawrence at Virginia Theological Seminary; Washington DC where he met a group at the Heritage Foundation; and Sewickley PA.


Sept. 2 --- Clergy conference, St. Paul's Summerville. Alan Runyan made a presentation attacking the Title IV revisions in the canons of TEC. These charges were background to the six proposed resolutions for the next diocesan convention.


Sept. 9 --- Standing Committee met and approved the six proposed resolutions for the next convention. All alter the basic documents of the diocese: constitution, canons, and corporate charter. Resolutions published.


Sept. 15-19---Lawrence in Phoenix AZ for House of Bishops meeting.


Sept. 22 --- Episcopal Forum sent a letter to the Executive Council and to each member of the HOB asking for an investigation of Lawrence.

Sept. 23 --- Lawrence sent a letter refuting all charges made by Forum.

Sept. 30-Oct. 7 --- Lawrence in Cairo, Egypt to address the Diocese of Egypt... in Cairo strengthening his ties with conservative Anglican Bishop Mouneer Anis (Egypt and North Africa and the Horn of Africa).

Oct. 13 --- Lawrence sent a letter to PB. PB sent back an e-mail.

Oct. 14 --- Lawrence sent an e-mail to PB and drafted a letter to her that he did not send.

Oct. 15 --- Reconvened Diocesan Convention passed six resolutions amending the DSC constitution. These assert the independent self-rule of DSC and removed accession to the canons of TEC. The Dennis Canon was removed from the DSC Constitution and Canons. The corporate charter was amended to drop TEC.


Oct. 19 --- DSC officially amended its charter with the state of SC to remove all references to the Episcopal Church.


Oct. 21 --- DSC amended its Bylaws: -Standing Committee to be known as "Board of Directors"; Lawrence is the President of the Corporation; Directors have sole authority to choose a bishop; only Directors can remove any members of the Board; Lawrence can be removed only by unanimous vote of the Board. (see Dec. 16)

Nov. 9---Episcopal Forum sent a letter to the Province IV bishops appealing for help in defending TEC in DSC.

Nov. 15-16 --- Lawrence attended meeting of Communion Partner bishops, a conservative league, in Orlando.

Nov, 18-19---Lawrence attends Province IV bishops' meeting in Miami FL.

Dec. 16 --- DSC amended its Bylaws: Board of Directors (Standing Committee) have sole authority to determine identity and authority of the Bishop; Board may make an employment contract with the Bishop (see Feb. 1, 2011); Bishop can be removed only by unanimous vote of the Board; Bishop's employment contract may be terminated only by unanimous vote of the Board and the calling of a special convention of the diocese where two-thirds of both orders approve the termination.

2011



  

Feb. 1 --- Bishop's Employment Agreement. Standing Committee made agreement to employ Lawrence as bishop and/or chief executive officer in perpetuity and regardless of his status as bishop. Could be terminated only by death, total disability, Lawrence's request, or the terms of the Bylaws (see Dec. 16, 2010). Salary set at base $121,170 plus family medical insurance, annual annuity of $10,000, retirement contribution equal to 18% of income, and $35,000 travel (near $200,000 package). If he were removed as bishop his employment would continue as chief executive officer of the diocese. [Entered as Exhibit DSC-29, circuit court trial, July 8, 2014].


Feb. 18-19 --- DSC convention passed a second time two resolutions from the Oct. convention removing accession to the Canons of TEC and removing "annual" before "convention."


Feb. 19 --- Lawrence meets with Standing Committee.


Mar. 1 --- Lawrence complained to DSC Standing Committee about upcoming Episcopal Forum meeting and its "false statements and misrepresentations."


Mar. 10 ---Episcopal Forum held "Enthusiastically Episcopalian: conference.

Mar. 18-19---Lawrence in Springfield IL for the consecration of Bp. Daniel Martins.

Mar. 28-29 --- Lawrence attended HOB meeting, Kanuga NC and discussed the pending Anglican Covenant, a cause he strongly advocated.

May 13---Lawrence in Ambridge PA for Trinity School for Ministry Board of Trustees meeting.

May 25 --- Melinda Lucka wrote to PB and Executive Council of TEC outlining charges against Lawrence.

June 2 --- Lawrence reads book by Robert Gagnon, The Bible and Homosexual Practice.

June 6-8 --- Lawrence attends meeting of Province IV bishops, Kanuga NC and makes talk he entitles "Sex and Salvation."

July 1 --- Title IV revisions to the TEC Constitution and Canons became effective. New Disciplinary Board for Bishops established (10 bishops, 4 priests or deacons, 4 laypersons).

Aug. --- Executive Council of TEC informed Lawrence that votes of DSC to override the C and C of TEC were null and void (see June 11-14, 2007).

Sept. 26-27---Lawrence in Washington DC for China-USA Church Leaders Forum.

Sept. 28 --- Lawrence sent letter rejecting the Executive Council's ruling.

Sept. 29 ---Lawrence was informed by the President of the Disciplinary Board for Bishops (Rt. Rev. Dorsey Henderson, Jr., former bishop of Upper SC) that he was being investigated on charges of abandonment of communion. Committee collected 63-page document of evidence against Lawrence. 12 allegations.

Sept. 30 --- Josephine Hicks, attorney for the DBB wrote to the Standing Committee of DSC requesting documents.

Oct. 4 --- Lawrence met with Standing Committee, 11:30-4:00.

Oct. 7 --- Wade Logan, Chancellor of DSC, wrote to Hicks challenging her credentials.

Oct. 11 --- Lawrence held meeting of DSC clergy.

Oct. 14 --- Hicks recused herself from the case. Replaced by Jack W. Burtch.

Oct. 21 --- Convention of Diocese of Upper South Carolina passed a resolution calling on the PB and Lawrence to meet.

Oct. 24 --- Bp Waldo, of Upper SC, met with Lawrence in Columbia SC to deliver the resolution.

Nov. 1 --- Lawrence meets with Standing Committee, 10:30-4:00. The SC unanimously voted to call a special convention of DSC within 30 days of any action of TEC against Lawrence. The purpose of the convention would be to disassociate from TEC.

Nov. 2 --- Bp. Waldo, of Upper SC, met with the PB in NYC.

Nov. 15 --- Lawrence announced he had issued quitclaim deeds to all parishes in DSC. Logan sent letters to parishes on Nov. 16.

Nov. 22 --- DBB met by conference call.

Nov. 28 ---DBB announced that it could not certify that Lawrence had abandoned the communion.

Nov. 29-Dec. 1 --- Provincial bishops met and discussed the quitclaim deeds. Lawrence did not attend.

Dec. 5 --- Bp Clifton Daniel, of East Carolina, wrote to Lawrence asking for a meeting.

Dec. 6 --- Lawrence met with Standing Committee, 10:30-5:00.

Dec. 9 --- Standing Committee of DSC sent a letter to Daniel challenging his right to "interfere" in DSC.

Dec. 14 --- 6 bishops met with Lawrence in Charleston to discuss the quitclaim deeds, 1:00-3:30 p.m. No outcome.

2012



  

Jan. 10 --- Standing Committee met 10:30-3:30.


Jan. 14 --- Church Pension Fund presentation 10:00-4:30.


Feb. 2 --- Diocesan Council met 10:30-1:15; Deans met 1:15-3:45.


Feb. 7 --- Standing Committee met 10:30-4:15.


Feb. 8-11, Lawrence in Virginia to meet with students and faculty of Virginia Theological Seminary.


Feb. 19-23 --- Lawrence in Pennsylvania to visit Trinity School for Ministry.


March 10 ---at the annual DSC convention Bp Lawrence criticized TEC on issues of "Fatherhood of God, the Uniqueness of Christ, liturgical innovations, the ordination of women, the blessing of same-sex unions, communion of the unbaptized," but emphasized "The possible departure from Christian Teaching on Marriage is the most disconcerting of all." Resolution passed: ..."we commit ourselves to the defense of Christian marriage as it has been traditionally understood..."


Mar. 13 --- Lawrence in Toronto, Canada, as guest of Ephraim Radner.


Mar. 15-19 --- Lawrence in Camp Allen TX for House of Bishops.


Mar. 21-24 --- Lawrence in Orlando for consecration of Greg Brewer as new bishop of Central Florida.


Mar. 23 --- Melinda Lucka, an attorney in Charleston, sent a letter of Complaint against the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence to the Rt. Rev. F. Clayton Matthews, Bishop for Pastoral Development, of TEC, charging Lawrence had operated DSC in violation of the canons of TEC, specifically Title IV, Canons 3 and 4. This Complaint was advanced to the Disciplinary Board for Bishops. It was signed by: Robert R. Black, Barbara G. Mann, David W. Mann, Robert B. Pinkerton, Mrs. Benjamin Bosworth Smith, the Rev. Colton M. Smith, III, John Wilder, Virginia C. Wilder, Eleanor B. Koets, John Kwist, Margaret S. Kwist, M. Jaquelin Simons, Patricia P. Riley, Thomas W. Riley, Charles G. Carpenter, Margaret A. Carpenter, Frances L. Elmore, Cynthia L. Harding, Flint Harding III, Dolores J. Miller, Warren Mesereau, Eleanor Horres, and the Rev. Roger W. Smith. This letter became the basis for the action of the DBB; on Sept. 18 the DBB voted to charge Lawrence with abandonment of communion.


Mar. 26-27 --- Standing Committee held retreat at Camp St. Christopher.


April 23-27 --- Lawrence attended GAFCON Leaders Conference in London; Lawrence addressed the Guildford Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship of the Church of England Evangelical Council on Apr. 25.


May 1 --- Standing Committee met 10:00-3:00; directed delegates to GC to: file a minority report, refrain from worship, and walk out immediately after the passage of the same-sex blessing rites. Committee also discussed a booklet by Greg Snyder, "When Should We Divide?"


May 2 --- Lawrence met with deputies to General Convention, 2:00-4:15.


May 22-25 --- Lawrence traveled to Wisconsin for Nashotah House meetings.


June 5-7 --- Lawrence attended the Province IV bishops' meeting at Kanuga, NC.


June 9 --- Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) named Steve Wood, rector of St. Andrew's, Mt. Pleasant, as bishop of its Diocese of the Carolinas.


June 11 --- Lawrence in Atlanta for Summit on Immigration.


June 15 --- Standing Committee of DSC issued statement condemning the upcoming blessing of same-gender unions in the GC.


June 17-22 --- Lawrence took vacation to mountains of VA and TN.


June 26 --- Lawrence met with deputies to General Convention, 1:00-3:00.


June 30 --- TEC started disciplinary proceedings against 9 bishops including former SC Bp Salmon for their role in supporting court actions against TEC in the case of Ft. Worth.


July 3 --- Lawrence in Indianapolis for General Convention.

July 10 --- DSC delegates spoke in opposition to Resolution AO49, the authorizing of liturgy for the blessing of same gender unions. Resolution adopted. The rite was to be optional at the discretion of the diocesan bishop.

July 11 --- Lawrence and 5 DSC delegates walk out of GC. 2 remain. 12 bishops drew up a declaration condemning the passage of the same-sex blessing resolution; Salmon and Skilton signed, Lawrence did not.


July 12 --- Lawrence returned to Charleston.


July 13 --- Lawrence wrote letter to the diocese.


July 15 --- Lawrence's letter was to be read in all churches in DSC. Condemned CO29, AO49, DO02, DO19 (the first deals with communion, the others with rights for homosexuals and transgendered persons).


July 16 --- Lawrence met Council of Advice (Standing Committee), 1:00-5:30.


July 17 --- Lawrence met Standing Committee, 10:30-1:30.


July 18 --- Lawrence met deans, 1:15-3:45.


July 25 --- Lawrence met with clergy of DSC at St. Paul's of Summerville, 1:00-4:15. He reported that he told the House of Bishops in executive session at the GC that he could no longer in good conscience continue in the convention and that he had grave doubts that he could continue as a bishop in the Episcopal Church. He told the clergy that TEC had crossed a line he could not cross, and announced a few weeks absence "on mountaintops and in deserts." Lawrence thus made it clear to the clergy that in all probability he would not continue in TEC.


July 30-August 15 --- Lawrence on vacation in California, Utah, Colorado, Nevada in "discernment for diocese and my ministry."


Aug. 21 --- Lawrence met with DSC Standing Committee, 10:30-3:00 and with his lawyers 3:00-4:00. Lawrence presented a plan of action. The Committee unanimously approved it. No other information was revealed at the time. All of the meetings of the bishop and his executive committees between August 21 and Oct. 18 were private and the proceedings were kept secret except for selected leaks. The decisions of the committees were not revealed to the public, even to the clergy of the DSC, before Oct. 19. Thus by all appearances the move to "disassociate" from TEC came in August and September from Lawrence himself. It was approved by the small diocesan leadership at the top. No one else was consulted at the time.


----- Members of the Standing Committee ("Board of Directors") 2012-13: Rev. Paul Fuener, Chair; Clergy: John Barr, Tripp Jeffords, Greg Snyder, Ken Weldon, Andrew O'Dell; Laity: Reid Boylston, Ed Mitman, Elizabeth Pennewill, Bill Lyles, Ann Hester Willis, Suzanne Schwank.


Aug. 22 --- Lawrence met deans, 1:30-4:00, apparently to give them the Standing Committee's resolution.


Aug. 25 --- Lawrence attended, but did not participate in, the consecration of Steve Wood as bishop of the ACNA Diocese of the Carolinas.


Aug. 27 --- Lawrence and Wade Logan met in Columbia SC with Bishop Waldo and Belton Ziegler. Lawrence agreed to talk with the PB. Afterwards, Waldo arranged a meeting of Lawrence and Waldo with the PB on Oct. 3. Lawrence did not tell Waldo about the "secret plan" of Aug. 21.


Aug. 28 --- Lawrence met the Diocesan Council, 10:30-2:00.


Sept. 9 --- Cathedral church of St. Luke and St. Paul voted 55-10 to break from TEC.


Sept. 13 --- Lawrence met Board of Trustees, 11:00-2:00.


Sept. 18 --- the DBB certified that Lawrence had abandoned the communion of TEC on three counts: 1-having presided over a diocesan convention , Oct. 10, 2010, that voted to remove accession to the canons of TEC, 2-having amended the corporate charter on Oct. 19, 2011 to remove reference to the Episcopal Church, and 3-having issued quit claim deeds he showed open renunciation of the Episcopal Church.


Sept. 18 --- Lawrence in conference with Logan and Runyan; Lawrence met Standing Committee; Standing Committee requested of Lawrence an interpretation of Canon XXXVII, concerning right of diocese to secede from TEC [Lawrence presented a response to SC on Oct. 2]. Lawrence announced to Committee suspension of ordinations "because of the vow to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church."

Sept. 19 --- Lawrence met Bishop Waldo, 11:00-1:15, had lunch in Waldo's home. Lawrence did not reveal his secret plan to Waldo.


Sept. 22 --- Lawrence issued a statement saying he and Standing Committee were in agreement on a plan of action. No other information was released to the clergy or the general public.


Sept. 27-30 --- Lawrence in Fort Worth TX to lead a retreat.


Oct. 2 - a.m. --- Lawrence met his lawyers and Standing Committee 9:30-12:30. Lawrence presented a 16-page response to questions from standing committee of Sept. 18: he ruled DSC is sovereign and free to secede from TEC. The Committee unanimously voted in secret session to leave TEC if any action were taken by TEC against Lawrence. The DSC "withdraws its accession to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and disaffiliates with the Episcopal Church by withdrawing its membership from the Episcopal Church. The decision shall be effective immediately upon the taking of any action of any kind by any representative of the Episcopal Church against The Bishop..." This was the action that prompted Lawrence's rejection of TEC measures on Oct. 17.


Oct. 2 - p.m. --- Lawrence traveled to NYC.


Oct. 3 --- 10:00 PB met with Waldo and Lawrence in NYC. Lawrence did not reveal the Standing Committee resolution to the other two [they learned of it on Oct. 17]. Discussed "creative solutions" to a way forward. No specific proposal. Lawrence flew to Pittsburgh in the evening.


Oct. 4-5 --- Lawrence in Pennsylvania for Trinity School for Ministry board meeting. He returned to Charleston on the evening of the 5th.


Oct. 9 --- PB asks for private meeting with Lawrence in Atlanta on Oct. 13. On Oct. 10 Lawrence rejected the offer of the meeting. (Nick Zeigler, former Chancellor of DSC, died on Oct. 8. His funeral was on Thursday, Oct. 11 at St. John's of Florence, Lawrence participating. Lawrence told an assembly at St. John's on Oct. 27 [I was present] that Zeigler's death was "providential" because it gave him a reason to decline the proposed meeting with the PB.)  Thus, the final in-person meeting of Lawrence and PB was on Oct. 3.

Oct. 10 --- Lawrence met Council of Advice (Standing Committee), 10:00-12:45.


Oct. 10 --- PB received a certification from DBB on Lawrence.


Oct. 11 --- Lawrence in Florence for funeral of Nick Ziegler.


Oct. 11 --- PB requested a phone call with Lawrence and chancellor of DSC Oct. 15-17.


Oct. 15 --- 12:00 p.m., Lawrence in conference call with Presiding Bishop, the Disciplinary Board for Bishops, and Wade Logan. PB placed a restriction on the exercise of ministry by Lawrence. Hard copies sent. PB asked this to be kept confidential and she wanted another meeting. This restriction temporarily removed Lawrence from all ministry in TEC. He would have 60 days in which to make a written appeal to the PB who could remove the restrictions at her discretion; or he would be formally tried by the HOB at its next meeting, in March 2013. A meeting of PB was to be held with Lawrence, Waldo and their chancellors in NYC on Oct. 22. Lawrence immediately ignored all that the PB had said.

By rejecting the PB's order, Lawrence abandoned his consecration vow to conform to the discipline of TEC.

--- 1:30 p.m., Lawrence held a conference call with the Council of Advice (Standing Committee), ending confidentiality. Apparently Logan, Lawrence and Standing Committee agreed that the diocese automatically disassociated from TEC under terms of the resolution of Oct. 2. That afternoon proceeded with bishop's duties.


Oct. 16 --- Lawrence met deans 10:30-12:30, and Council of Advice (Standing Committee), 2:00-6:30.


Oct. 17 --- In phone call, Lawrence told PB that confidentiality was impossible because of previous secret resolutions of the Standing Committee; announced to PB the resolution's "disassociation" of the diocese from TEC retroactive to noon on Monday October 15, the moment of the "restriction." Thus, Oct. 15 was the time of the schism. Since Lawrence remained as bishop of the "disassociated" diocese, he made a de facto renunciation to the PB on Oct. 17 of all ties to the Episcopal Church as of Oct. 15. He did not make a written renunciation.
p.m.--- Lawrence released to the public the news of the "disassociation" of DSC from TEC. Press release from the DSC office announced the call of a special convention to be held November 17, St. Philip's, Charleston "for relevant constitutional and/or canonical changes."


---News of Disciplinary Board action and of the purported disassociation first publicly announced, posted on major Internet outlets. 

---The names of the members of the committee making the complaint (see Mar. 23) to DBB were revealed by Lucka.


Oct. 19 --- Lawrence met with clergy of DSC and informed them of the restriction of the PB, which he called irrelevant, and the previously made secret resolution of the Standing Committee that had automatically severed ties of DSC and TEC. He announced to the clergy that the DSC had already separated from TEC. Thus, the clergy had had no input into the decision to leave TEC. He also said he had cancelled a scheduled meeting with the PB on Oct. 22 (see Oct. 15).


Oct. 20 --- the Rev. Kendall Harmon, Canon Theologian of DSC, issued a press release for DSC declaring "The Diocese of South Carolina is no longer part of TEC." 

---3:45, Lawrence spoke by phone with PB.
--- The Rev. Canon James B. Lewis released a news report that the committee of 14 represented the Board of the Episcopal Forum. Thus, he asserted, the "attack" on Bp Lawrence was initiated and directed by the Forum. This was not correct.


Oct, 22 --- Lawrence held a conference call with Council of Advice (Standing Committee).
--- 1:00 Lawrence spoke by phone with the PB.


Oct. 25 --- Letter of support for Lawrence from the Chair and the Secretary of the Global South Primates Steering Committee, the Most Rev. Mouneer Hanna Anis and the Most Rev. Ian Ernest.


Oct. 26 --- Representatives of PB met with a group of laypeople and clergy to discuss steps for a Steering Committee to reorganize the ongoing TEC diocese of SC. Tisdale was leader in setting up the Committee.


Oct. 27 --- Lawrence held a "forum" at St. John's of Florence where he announced "I am no longer an Episcopalian" and went on to say "I am a bishop in the one holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church," therefore entitled to conduct services. He declared he was in an all-out war with TEC. Afterwards, he presided at the altar and conducted a confirmation in disregard of his "restriction.'. [I was present.]


Oct. 29 --- DSC Standing Committee (meeting as Board of Directors) amended the Bylaws of the Corporation (see Dec. 16, 2010). Ruled out any "outside influence" (TEC) over the Board.

Nov. 6 --- 10:30-4:00, Lawrence met Standing Committee. Committee directed Runyan to take all legal measures necessary to "protect" the diocese and its property.


Nov. 7-9 --- Lawrence at clergy conference, Camp St. Christopher.


Nov. 7 --- an e-mail was sent to most of the clergy of DSC announcing a Clergy Day for the Diocese" at Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston. It used the seal and names of the DSC. Retired Bp vonRosenberg (vonR) [retired Bp of East Tenn] was to attend the meeting as "advisor."


Nov. 8 ---DSC office issued a statement denouncing the Nov. 7 e-mail. Holy Communion declined to host the meeting.

DSC filed petition in Office of Patents and Trademarks in the U.S. Department of Commerce to trademark the titles of Diocese of South Carolina. Later dropped.

Nov. 9 --- TEC issued on "Perspectives." a "Fact Sheet: The Diocese of South Carolina."

Nov. 11 --- Several newspapers published a letter from the Steering Committee of the ongoing Episcopal diocese. Members of the committee:

Hillery P. Douglas, Chair; Erin P.Bailey, Secretary; Rev. James E.Taylor, Treasurer; Holly H. Behre, William P. Baldwin, Dr. Charles C. Greer, Lonnie Hamilton III, Margaret S. Kwist, Rev. Richard C. Lindsey, Rebecca S. Lovelace, Rev. Wilmot T. Merchant II, John D. Sands, Rev. Calhoun Walpole, Virginia C. Wilder.

Nov. 14 --- DSC published in newspapers an open letter from Lawrence, co-signed by 69 clergy denouncing TEC and calling meeting of Nov. 17.

Nov. 15 ---Conservative Bp Daniel Martins, of Springfield, called on Lawrence to "step back from the brink."

PB issued a pastoral letter "to the saints in South Carolina." She declared that a diocese could not leave TEC "by its own action," that the clergy would be bound by the canons, and TEC would support the ongoing diocese.

Continuing diocese held a clergy day at St. Mark's, Charleston, presided over by vonR. 60-70 in attendance.

Nov. 17 --- special convention of DSC, St. Philip's, Charleston. 42 parishes and 12 missions were represented by 170 lay delegates. Lawrence announced DSC had withdrawn from TEC but remained "an extra-provincial diocese" in the Anglican Communion. Three resolutions passed   1-ended all ties to TEC and reaffirmed Lawrence as bishop,  2-changed diocesan constitution to remove all references to TEC,  3-likewise amended the canons of the DSC.


Nov. 20 --- DSC Standing Committee passed resolution directing Runyan to file a lawsuit against TEC.


Nov. 27 --- Lawrence met Board of Trustees.

--- The Anglican Communion Institute, a conservative think tank strongly critical of TEC, sent an open letter to the bishops of TEC denouncing the PB and leadership of TEC while defending Lawrence.


Nov. 28 --- Lawrence officiated at the funeral of Rt. Rev. Haynsworth in chapel of Bishop Gadsden (Church retirement home, James Island). Bp Allison gave eulogy. By Skilton attended. By Salmon did not attend.


Nov. 30 --- Lawrence held conference calls with Trustees and Council of Advice (Standing Committee).


Dec. 4 --- Lawrence met Standing Committee, 10:30-2:30.


Dec. 5 --- 12:45 p.m., PB informed Lawrence by phone that she had accepted his renunciation of the ordained ministry in TEC and had released him from all Holy Orders in TEC effective immediately. She issued an official "Release and Removal." This was based on Lawrence's actions and words of Nov. 17. She had consulted with all the heads of the provinces of TEC and found a majority vote among them to support the decision. In spite of official revocation of ordination as a bishop, Lawrence and DSC insisted Lawrence was still a bishop, and the only legitimate bishop of DSC.

--- Lawrence issued a letter to DSC rejecting the PB's assertions as "superfluous" and proclaiming continued function as the bishop of DSC.


Dec. 8 --- the ongoing diocese announced a special convention on Jan. 26 at Grace Episcopal Church, Charleston, to elect a provisional bishop. The PB was to attend.


Dec. 11-16 ---Lawrence in CA (Lawrence's mother died on Dec. 12).


Dec. 19 --- PB announced the call of the special convention of the diocese on Jan. 26, 2013.


Dec. 20 --- DSC issued a statement denouncing the PB's use of term "Diocese of South Carolina" and claimed ownership of the term.


Dec. 27 --- "Gay Christian Movement Watch, a Blog Upholding Biblical Standards of Sexuality" named Lawrence to its "12 Heroes of the Faith" list for 2012 along with the likes of Don Cathy, owner of Chick-fil-A.

2013



  

Jan. 3 --- Lawrence reported to Standing Committee that LARCUM (consortium of Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Methodist bishops in SC) had told L he could not read scripture or say prayers in their meetings. L announced he would not attend. Bishop vonR was later recognized by LARCUM.


Jan 4 --- DSC filed suit in state Circuit Court (The Court of Common Pleas for the First Judicial Circuit), in St. George, Dorchester County, against TEC claiming ownership of all official titles and seal and property. Co-signed by 17 parishes. This was the first lawsuit: DSC sued TEC.

Jan. 4 --- DSC Trustees issued new Bylaws naming Mark J. Lawrence personally (rather than as bishop) as the President of the corporation (see Mar. 17, 2010).

Jan. 8 --- The Living Church magazine announced that a petition was online asking for non-litigious resolution of the problem in SC. It called for 1,000 signatures. Two months later, 220 had signed.

Jan. 10 --- ongoing Episcopal Church diocese announced the nomination of vonR as provisional bishop to be elected by the special convention of Jab. 26.

Jan. 22 --- DSC entered an Amended Complaint in the Circuit Court (see Jan. 4) adding 15 parishes and St. Andrew's of Mt. Pleasant as plaintiffs. This brought the number of parishes participating to 32.

Jan. 23 --- Circuit Judge Diane S. Goodstein issued ex parte a Temporary Restraining Order barring anyone from using official names of the DSC except Lawrence and 24 others. Hearing set for Feb. 1. The Order was personally served to TEC faithful:   George Hawkins, Virginia Wilder, Callie Walpole, Lonnie Hamilton, James E. Taylor, Erin Hoyle, Barbara Mann, Melinda Lucka, Charles vonRosenberg, John Buchanan, Steve Skardon, and Michael Wright.

Jan. 25-26 --- Visit of the PB. Jan. 25, Special Convention of "The Episcopal Church in South Carolina" at Grace Episcopal Church, Charleston.

Special Convention [I attended]:

Festival Choral Eucharist with the PB as Celebrant and Preacher [sermon followed by loud protests from Lawrence's supporters who claimed she maligned him].

The election and investiture of the Bishop Provisional, vonR.

Election of the Standing Committee, 6 clergy and 6 lay (Revs. Richard Lindsey, David Williams, Colton Smith, J. Michael A. Wright, Wilmot T. Merchant II, Calhoun Walpole;  Virginia C. Wilder, Melinda A. Lucka, Hillery P.Douglas (Chair), Rebecca Lovelace, Erin Elizabeth Bailey, Lonnie Hamilton III).

Election of the Diocesan Council, 6 clergy and 6 lay (Revs. Mark Brinkman, George Tompkins, Roy Hills, Wil Keith, Jeff Richardson, John Zahl, Nancy Bailey, Holly Behre, Alesia Rico Flores, Mary Ann Foy, Dr, Charles Geer, Barbara Mann).

Jan. 31 --- Judge Goodstein issued a Temporary Injunction extending the Jan. 23rd Temporary Restraining Order indefinitely. Both parties had agreed to this earlier in the day. vonR has until April 4 to respond. The Injunction was personally served to:  Charles vonRosenberg, Melinda Lucka, and Michael Wright.

Feb.-Mar. --- about 11 parishes and missions remained in "discernment" as to which of the two bishops to follow. Typically both bishops visited, separately, the local churches. Old St. Andrew's was one. It printed a 15-page transcript of Lawrence's remarks. It voted 189-64 on Feb. 24 to follow Lawrence.

Feb. 27 --- the DSC lawsuit of Jan. 4 was amended to include The Episcopal Church in South Carolina(ECSC) as a defendant. TEC and ECSC have until April 4 to respond. This is the Second Amended Complaint (Jan. 4 and Jan. 22). It added 3 parishes as plaintiffs for a total of 35, including the non-DSC parish of St. Andrew's, Mt. Pleasant. The Second Amended Complaint was personally served to:  Thomas Tisdale, Charles vonRosenberg, and Virginia Wilder.

March 5 --- vonR filed suit ("Complaint") in the federal court in Charleston (United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division) against Lawrence asking the court to declare vonR has authority to act as bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina and not Lawrence. The Complaint is 21 pages. (See Sept. 19, 2019)

March 7 --- vonR filed a motion for a preliminary injunction (Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction) with the U.S. District Court in Charleston against Lawrence (see also Mar. 5). Court papers totaled 276 pages. Lawrence has until Mar. 25 to respond. Lawrence asked to have until April 13 to respond. The Motion asked for an injunction to prevent Lawrence from acting as the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.

Mar. 8 --- TEC issued a press release that an Accord had been reached in the matter of Conciliation involving the dioceses of Fort Worth and Quincy. Salmon was one of the nine bishops who signed the Accord.

March 8-9 --- annual convention of ECSC at Grace Episcopal Church, Charleston. 42 clergy present, 18 parishes, 12 missions, 5 worshipping communities. St. Mark's Chapel, Port Royal, was admitted as a mission. The Episcopal Church Executive Council approved grant up to $185,000 to the diocese. The Executive Council granted a line of credit of $250,000. Resolutions to return accession to TEC C and C.

March 8-9 --- annual convention of DSC, in Florence. 35 parishes and 13 missions present; 2 worshipping communities (North Charleston and North Myrtle Beach). Preacher at Mar. 8 Eucharist was the Rt. Rev. Keith Ackerman, Bishop Vicar of the [Anglican] Diocese of Quincy. Resolutions to remove all accession to TEC C and C and to support "Anglicans for Life," an anti-abortion group.


--- DSC Standing Committee (meeting as Board of Directors) 2013-14: Rev. Greg Snyder, Chair; Clergy: Shay Gaillard, Tripp Jeffords, Arthur Jenkins, Andrew O'Dell, Ken Weldon; Laity: Dorothy Bowen, Frank Kirk, Ed Mitman, Elizabeth Pennewill, Suzanne Schwank, Bill Lyles.


March 19 --- DSC filed a "Motion for Partial Summary Judgment" in the Court of Common Pleas for the First Judicial Circuit (state, County of Dorchester). This was a "move for partial summary judgment that the control of The Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina...is in its duly elected and authorized Board of Directors all as alleged in Plaintiff's Second Amended Complaint." Served to Tisdale, vonR, and Virginia Wilder. [Note-there has been no response to this motion. Apparently pending.]

DSC filed a "Motion for Contempt on Behalf of the Plaintiffs the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina, and the Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South Carolina, a South Carolina Corporate Body," a move for a "citation of contempt" against TEC, ECSC, and "persons in active concert or participation with them" [these persons were not enumerated]. [Note-there has been no response to this motion. Apparently pending.]

March 28 --- TEC filed "Answer and Counterclaims of the Episcopal Church to Second Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief," in the Court of Common Pleas for the First Judicial Circuit (state court, Dorchester County). ECSC filed "Answer, Affirmative Defenses, and Counterclaims of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina to Second Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief" in the same court.

March 28 --- Lawrence filed "Motion to Dismiss or in the Alternative to Abstain or Stay Proceedings" and "Defendant Lawrence's Memorandum in Support of his Motion to Dismiss or in the Alternative to Abstain or Stay Proceedings" in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina Charleston Division. Lawrence claimed the right of state jurisdiction. (See Mar. 5 and 7, 2013).

April 3 --- ECSC filed "Notice of Removal" from the Court of Common Pleas, County of Dorchester, First Judicial Circuit, State of South Carolina to United States District Court, District of South Carolina (Charleston).

April 7 --- vonR began sending out letters to the canonically resident clergy of the old Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina asking for clarification of each one's allegiance and gives a two-week period for response. vonR offered to meet with each of the clergy persons. The majority of the recipients who had adhered to Lawrence refused to respond to the letters.

April 10 --- the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina (DSC) and co-plaintiffs filed "Plaintiffs' Motion to Remand" and "Plaintiffs' Memorandum of Law in Support of Motion to Remand" in U.S. District Court. Lawrence argued that this is a property dispute and must properly be decided in state court. (See Mar. 5 and 7, 2013).


April 16 --- DSC Standing Committee resolved to compose a letter for all clergy to return to vonR as a mutual response (see April 7).


April 22 --- vonR filed "Reply to Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction" in the U.S. District Court. (See Apr. 10, 2013).

April 29 --- ECSC filed "Defendant's Response to Plaintiff's Motion to Remand" in the U.S. District Court arguing in favor of First Amendment protection.

June 6 --- Hearing was held in U.S. District Court, in Charleston, by Judge C. Weston Houck on the issue of whether the court lawsuits should be continued in the U.S. District Court (federal) or in the Circuit Court (state). In the 45-minute hearing, Houck heard arguments from the two sides and asked questions of the lawyers. vonR was present with four lawyers. Lawrence was present with 25-30 lawyers. Lawrence's lawyers, primarily Alan Runyan, argued that the issue was a local one that should be decided by state court under "neutral principles of law." This implied the matter was essentially about ownership of properties. Presumably this would lean to the Lawrence side. vonR's lawyers argued the issue was a federal one as a national religious organization claimed first amendment rights to manage its own affairs. This implied the matter was essentially about the rights of an hierarchical church. Presumably this would lean to the vonR side. Houck concluded that he expected to provide a written ruling within about a week.

June 10 --- Judge Houck issued an Order granting the Plaintiff's (Lawrence) motion (of March 28) to remand the lawsuit to the Circuit (state) court. Houck rejected vonR's claim of a First Amendment issue and cited the All Saints Waccamaw (All Saints, Pawleys Island) ruling of 2009 applying "neutral principles" regarding religious denominational property disputes. The Order means that the adjudication will proceed in the Circuit (state) court where the DSC side expects to have the advantage.

June 10 --- The Executive Council of TEC voted to respond to a request from ECSC and expand the credit line to ECSC by $300,000 to a total of $550,000 by the end of 2013. Council members also asked the presiding officers to appoint a covenant committee to report on the work of ECSC to the council's Joint Steering Committee on Local Ministry and Mission. The Council also allocated an additional $785,000 for San Joaquin.

June --- Hearing set in Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial Circuit (Dorchester County, Judge Diane Goodstein) for July 11, 2013. Five actions were pending before Goodstein at this point:

1-DSC and 35 parishes v. TEC and ECSC for legal status as Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina (see Jan. 4).

2-DSC "Motion for Partial Summary Judgment..." (see Mar. 19).

3-DSC "Motion for Contempt..." v. TEC, ECSC, and "persons in active concert..." (see Mar. 19).

4-TEC "Answer and Counterclaims..." (see Mar. 28).

5-ECSC "Answer, Affirmative Defenses..." (see Mar. 28).

June --- Hearing set in U.S. District Court (Judge C. Weston Houck) for August 8, 2013. Two actions were pending before Houck:

1-vonR v Lawrence for legal right as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina (see Mar. 5).

2-vonR "Motion for a Preliminary Injunction..." v Lawrence to prevent Lawrence from acting as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina (see Mar. 7).

June 21 --- Lawrence attended the Anglican Church in North America's Provincial Council meeting and House of Bishops meeting at Nashotah House in Wisconsin announcing "we are presently an 'extra-provincial' diocese, not in any formal or officially ecclesial way..." thus postponing indefinitely a union of DSC with ACNA or any other "Anglican" group.

June 21 --- the Standing Committee of ECSC voted to initiate action against the 103 priests and deacons of the old diocese who had not adhered to vonR. vonR then sent a Notice of Restriction on the 103 clergy. These clergy have 60 days in which to declare loyalty to the Episcopal Church and its representative vonR or be removed from the ordained ministry of TEC. Sixty days would end on August 20.

June 23 --- ECSC announced its list of "Clergy in Good Standing in The Episcopal Church in South Carolina as of June 21, 2013." The list contains names of 63 priests and 11 deacons, about one-third of the pre-schism diocese. The names include: the Rev. Ladson Mills II, a frequent critic of TEC at virtueonline.org; the Rev. Dr. Robert Munday, a former dean at Nashotah House, a rector of a DSC parish, and an assistant rector of a DSC parish. 

June 25 --- vonR issued a letter giving a Notice of Restriction on the 103 clergy of the old diocese found to have abandoned TEC.

June 26-27 --- Meeting of the bishops of TEC Province IV, the twenty dioceses in the southeastern U.S., in Charleston. Twenty-five bishops and one bishop-elect announced their intention to attend, including retired Suffrigan Bishop of SC, Skilton.

July 10 --- virtueonline.org, a conservative website, posted a copy of the June 25 letter from vonR stating that the Standing Committee of ECSC had voted to declare that 103 priests and deacons of the old diocese had abandoned the Episcopal Church. Names were listed in alphabetical order.

July 11 --- Judge Goodstein set a timetable allowing 90 days to complete written discovery and allowing 120 additional days for the taking of depositions, concluding Feb. 5, 2014. After that, a trial date will be set. Goodstein asked the two sides if they would settle with mediation. Tisdale and Beers agreed; Runyan refused.

August 8 --- Judge Houck of the U.S. District Court in Charleston heard arguments from both sides on Lawrence's March 28 motion asking the court to dismiss or to abstain from the March 5 suit of vonR against Lawrence. Houck did not hear arguments on vonR's March 7 motion against Lawrence. Houck announced he would rule in about a week on Lawrence's March 28 motion.

August 23 --- Judge Houck issued an "Order" dismissing the suits filed by vonR against Lawrence (Mar. 5 and 7) stating "the Court Declines to exercise jurisdiction over this action in deference to the pending state court action." However, the ruling left the door open for vonR to reinstate the case if the state court does not dispose of all issues involved. Houck stated in his Order that Lawrence had renounced his ordained ministry and that the Episcopal Church is hierarchical.

August 23 --- the Standing Committee of ECSC met and approved vonR's recommendation that the 103 restricted clergy be "released and removed" rather than "deposed." (Under Title IV, Canon 16 (8), Section 4 of the C and C of TEC.

August 26 ---this week, Notice of Removal letters, signed by vonR, were sent to the 103 previously restricted priests and deacons (app. 60% of old diocese).

Sept. 9 --- Lawrence met at Camp St. Christopher with bishops of four Episcopal splinter groups, ACNA, Reformed Episcopal Church, PEARUSA [Rwanda], and Diocese of the Holy Cross, all with interests, and overlapping jurisdictions in the Lowcountry. Apparently Bishop Charles Murphy, of Pawleys Island, was not present.

Sept. 16 --- vonR filed a "Motion for Reconsideration" in the U.S. District Court in Charleston asking Judge Houck to reconsider his August 23 ruling. 

Sept. 19---ECSC made a motion in Circuit Court to compel DSC to produce all correspondence between Lawrence and Alan Runyan prior to Nov. 17, 2012. (denied on Nov. 7, 2013; see below)

Sept. 30 --- vonR filed a motion to vacate the Temporary Injunction (see Jan. 21) in the Circuit Court.

 --- vonR filed a motion in Circuit Court asking for an injunction to stop DSC from using official names and marks of the Diocese of South Carolina.

Oct. 2 --- Judge Goodstein, of the Circuit Court, denied a motion of ECSC to add as defendants twenty-three persons of the Standing Committee and Trustees of DSC stating that this was not necessary and that these individuals are immune under state law from being sued.

Oct. 11 --- Judge Goodstein, of the Circuit Court, denied vonR's motions (see Sept. 30) to vacate the Temporary Injunction against ECSC and to make an injunction against DSC.

Oct. --- Lawrence attends GAFCON II conference in Nairobi, Kenya (Oct. 21-26). On Oct. 23, the Archbishop of Canterbury made a video address to the assembly defending western attitudes towards sexuality: "We all live in different contexts and the challenge overlaps but is slightly different wherever we live. We are dealing with very rapid changes of culture in the Global North and the issue of sexuality is a very important one. How we respond rightly to that - in a way that is holy, truthful, and gracious - is absolutely critical to our proclamation of the gospel." On biblical literalism, he said "It doesn't mean being unanimous, all saying exactly the same thing in exactly the same way." Both of these points are scarcely veiled criticisms of the distinctly conservative attitudes of Third World oriented GAFCON, a potential rival to the traditional Anglo-centric Lambeth conferences.

GAFCON issued two statements: GAFCON 2013: The Nairobi Communique," and "The Nairobi Commitment." These created a new administrative structure in the Anglican Communion for conservatives and reiterated their condemnation of homosexuality.

Nov. 7---Judge Diane Goodstein, of the Circuit Court issued "Order Denying the Defendant TECSC's Motion to Compel Dated September 19, 2013 (see Sept. 19 above). (See Jan. 13, 2014 for the appeal of this order.)

Nov. 25---ECSC filed a motion in the First Circuit Court of Common Pleas (state court) to have four names added as parties in the lawsuit filed by DSC (see Jan. 4) against TEC: Mark Lawrence, Jim Lewis, Jeffrey Miller, and Paul Fuener. It contained two very serious charges that could potentially change the whole trajectory of the litigation:  "In or around 2006, Lawrence made an agreement with members of the Standing and Search Committees of the Diocese to lead a scheme to withdraw the Diocese from The Episcopal Church in return for their votes electing him Bishop of the Diocese;" and "Beginning in or around 2009, the Additional Parties began executing a conspiracy to take away the Diocese's assets..." Thus, the motion holds that Lawrence and the others carried out a premeditated conspiracy to defraud the Episcopal Church and should be held liable. (Judge Goodstein denied this motion on Dec. 30. see below)

Dec. 18  ---The Rev. Thomas M. Rickenbaker made an affidavit for the Circuit Court stating that in 2005, when he was rector of St. Paul's, in Edenton, North Carolina, he was visited by the Rev. Gregory Kronz, the chair, and the Rev. Paul Feuner, a member, of the SC Bishop's Search Committee. In interviewing him for possible candidacy, he said they made it clear they wanted the new bishop to lead the diocese out of TEC and to take the property along. He rejected the idea and was dropped from consideration. Feuner disputed this claim in a Charleston Post and Courier interview of Dec. 30, 2013.

Dec. 27 --- ECSC filed in Circuit Court "TECSC's Memorandum in Support of its Motion to Join Additional Parties," 14 pages.

Dec. 30 --- DSC filed in Circuit Court "Plaintiff's Response to Defendant the Episcopal Church in South Carolina's Notice and Motion to Join Additional Parties," 14 pages.

--- Judge Goodstein, of the Circuit Court,   1-denied ECSC's motion to add four names as parties;  2-set the date of May 2, 2014, for the conclusion of the discovery phase;  3-said that July 2014 would be the earliest time she could announce a date for the trial.

2014

Jan. 9---U.S. District judge Patrick Michael Duffy ruled that the Church Insurance Company of Vermont must provide coverage for ECSC in the lawsuit brought by DSC against the Episcopal Church and then ECSC (see Jan. 4, 2013).


Jan. 13---Attorney Tisdale, for ECSC, filed "Appeal from Dorchester County, Court of Common Pleas," in the Court of Appeals, state of South Carolina (in Columbia, SC) seeking to have Judge Goodstein's order of Nov. 7, 2013, overturned. If the appeals court should agree, all correspondence between Lawrence and Runyan prior to Nov. 17, 2012 would have to be turned over to the lawyers of ECSC. (See Mar. 18; court rejected ECSC appeal.)

Jan. 14---Judge C. Weston Houck, of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division," issued an "Order denying ECSC's motion (September 16, 2013; see above) for reconsideration of Houck's ruling of August 23, 2013.

Jan. 15---DSC filed a motion in the Court of Appeals, state of South Carolina to dismiss ECSC's motion of Jan. 13. This leaves two official motions pending in the appeals court 1-ECSC's motion to overturn Goodstein's ruling of Nov. 7, and 2-DSC motion to dismiss ECSC's motion.


Jan. 17---Judge Goodstein, of the circuit court, denied a request from the DSC lawyers to proceed with the taking of depositions from persons on the pro-ECSC side pending a ruling from the appeals court (see Jan. 13).


Jan. 24---ECSC filed a response to the DSC motion of Jan. 15 in the Court of Appeals.

Feb. 5---ECSC filed an appeal of Judge Houck's Jan. 14 ruling in which he refused to reconsider his decision of Aug. 23, 2013. It was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. ECSC made the original lawsuit in the U.S. court on March 5, 2013 (vonRosenberg v. Lawrence).

Feb. 6---DSC asked the SC Supreme Court to intervene in ECSC's appeal to the SC Court of Appeals. DSC claims that Judge Goodstein's ruling is "unappealable" and that ECSC is only using delaying tactics. ECSC did not oppose this motion.

Feb. 21-22 --- ECSC held its annual diocesan convention at All Saints, Hilton Head. Delegates voted again to restore all ties to TEC. Five missions were admitted into union with the diocese: The Episcopal Church on Edisto, Good Shepherd of Summerville, St. Anne's of Conway, St. Catherine's of Florence, and St. Francis of Charleston (West Ashley).

Mar. 5 --- U.S. District Judge Patrick Duffy denied a motion to reconsider his Jan. 9 ruling.

Mar. 15 --- DSC held its annual convention at Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant. Resolutions offered: R-1, join Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans and affirm the Jerusalem Declaration of 2008; R-2, Bishop will appoint a discernment committee to recommend an affiliation; R-3, Global South oversight council; C-1, standards for clergy; C-2, standards of parish membership; C-3, the rector has authority over the parish, including property; C-4, on removal of parishes and missions from union with DSC; C-5, worship by TEC service books only; C-6, standards for lay pensions. All passed unanimously or nearly so except for C-3 that gave the rector control of the property. It was tabled, that is, withheld from vote.

Mar. 18 --- The SC Court of Appeals rejected ECSC's motion of appeal entered on Jan. 13, 2014. Soon thereafter, DSC asked Judge Goodstein to lift her "stay" order of Jan. 17. Goodstein did not respond.

--- DSC began issuing subpoenas "commanding" depositions from at least 14 persons on the ECSC side: Holly Behre, Robert Black, Bishop John C. Buchanan, Lonnie Hamilton III, George M. Hearn, Jr., Bishop Dorsey Henderson, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Melinda Lucka, Barbara Mann, Steve Skardon, James E. Taylor, Bishop Charles vonRosenberg, Callie Walpole, Michael Wright.

Mar. 25 --- ECSC filed a Petition for Rehearing of the Order Dismissing the Appeal with the South Carolina Court of Appeals on the grounds of the merits of the case (see Jan. 13, Jan. 15, Jan. 24, Mar.18).

Mar. 25 --- The Episcopal (TEC) Diocese of Fort Worth announced a plan to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court the Texas Supreme Court's Mar. 21 decision against the TEC diocese. The deadline to apply in the U.S. Supreme Court is June 19, 2014. If the high court chooses to accept the case, their decision would have immediate impact on the South Carolina litigation.

Mar. 27 --- DSC filed a motion with Judge Goodstein to lift the stay (see Mar. 18).

Mar. 28 --- ECSC filed an opposition with Judge Goodstein on the DSC motion of Mar. 27.

Mar. 31 --- On or about Mar. 31, lawyers for DSC issued 14 subpoenas (see Mar. 27) commanding persons on the ECSC side to appear and give official depositions to DSC lawyers in preparation for the trial set in the Circuit (state) Court in July 2014. Subpoenas were officially sereved to: 1-George M. Hearn, Jr. (Apr. 11), 2-Holly Behre (Apr. 30), 3-Robert Black (Apr. 29), 4-Bishop John C. Buchanan (Apr. 16), 5-Lonnie Hamilton III (Apr. 29), 6-Bishop Dorsey Henderson (Apr. 24), 7 "Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori (Apr. 23), 8-Melinda Lucka (Apr. 30), 9-Barbara Mann (Apr. 28), 10-Steve Skardon (Apr. 14), 11-James E. Taylor (May 2), 12-Bishop Charles vonRosenberg (Apr. 22), 13-Callie Walpole (Apr. 21), 14-Michael Wright (Apr. 25).

Mar. 31 --- ECSC filed "TECSC's Notice and Motion to Quash Subpoenas Issued by the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina and the Trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South Carolina and to Hold Them in Contempt of Court" with the Court of Common Pleas for the First Judicial Circuit (state court, Dorchester County, Judge Goodstein). This asked Judge Goodstein to 1-stop DSC's subpoenas for depositions (see Mar. 18) and 2-hold DSC in contempt of court for ignoring Goodstein's "stay" order of January 17.

April 1 --- ECSC filed "Certificate of Service" with the Court of Common Pleas for the First Judicial Circuit (see Mar. 31). This was to certify that ECSC had sent notices of the action on Mar. 31 to all forty lawyers of DSC and its parishes.

April 4 --- The Supreme Court of South Carolina issued an Order that the ECSC appeal to the SC Court of Appeals be moved to the SC Supreme Court.

April 7 --- ECSC filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (Richmond VA) an "Opening Brief of Appellant" (vonRosenberg) for its appeal from the U.S. District Court in Charleston (Judge Houck) (see Feb. 5). The brief is 53 pages. It argues that Lawrence violated the Lanham Act and relies heavily on a 1976 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church v. Milvojevich in which the court deferred to a hierarchical church.

April 8 --- Judge Goodstein announced a trial date of July 7 and 8, 2014, in the Circuit Court, Dorchester County Courthouse, St. George, SC. This is the suit originally brought by DSC against the Episcopal Church, Jan. 4, 2013.

April 8 --- ECSC filed with Judge Goodstein, "TECSC's Notice and Motion for Immediate Hearing" requesting immediate action on ECSC's motion of Mar. 31.

April 11 --- The first deposition of a person on the ECSC side was scheduled for this day: George M. Hearn, in Myrtle Beach. 13 other depositions have bee scheduled until May 2. Hearn was subpoenaed and "commanded" to appear for the deposition.

Apr. 18 --- Through her law clerk, Judge Goodstein advised all the attorneys on both sides that because ECSC's petition for reconsideration (see Mar. 25, Apr. 4) is before the SC Supreme Court, the proceedings in her court are stayed, or suspended until the Supreme Court issues a ruling. This means that for the time being, DSC will not be allowed to take depositions from the other side (see Mar. 31).

Apr.23 --- ECSC announced its next annual diocesan convention will be Fri. Nov. 14 and Sat. Nov. 15, 2014, at Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston.

Apr. 27 --- GAFCON Primates' Council issued a "Communique" denouncing homosexuality and equating the backlash against the new Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda to the earthquake in Chile and terrorist violence in Kenya. Abp. Duncan of ACNA signed the Communique.

Apr. --- Bp vonRosenberg one of five bishops in South Carolina to sign an open letter to the people of South Carolina entitled "Statement on Public Education" giving their unqualified support to public education in the state.

May 2 --- The virtueonline website reported that Bishop Nazir-Ali, Visiting Bishop in DSC, told a conference in PA "I think it is very unlikely that the Archbishop of Canterbury will recognize the ACNA [Anglican Church in North America] in any formal sense." DSC is the only one of the five secessionist dioceses that has not joined ACNA.

May 3 --- Episcopal Forum hosted conference "Enthusiastically Episcopalian in South Carolina," Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church, Pawleys Island, led by Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori, Bishop vonRosenberg, the Rev. Gay Jennings, president of the House of Deputies, and a delegation from the Episcopal diocese of Pittsburgh.

May 7 --- The South Carolina Supreme Court issued an "Order" denying ECSC's request for a rehearing of the dismissal of the appeal in the SC Court of Appeals (see Mar. 25 and Apr. 4). The proceedings can now resume in the Circuit Court, Dorchester County.

May 8 --- Bishop Andrew Waldo, of Upper South Carolina, announced a process by which clergy of the diocese may perform blessings of same-sex unions. (see July 10, 2012). Waldo called Lawrence and informed him of the new policy.

May 16 --- Judge Goodstein  issued an order denying ECSC's motion to add four individuals to the suit. (See Nov. 25, 2013). ECSC filed a motion to reconsider with Judge Goodstein (see June 6).

May --- Bp Lawrence appointed the Task Force for Provincial Affiliation:  Craige Borrett, chair, Bruce McDonald, Peet Dickinson, Elizabeth Pennewill, Tripp Jeffords, John Benson, Jeffrey Miller, Karen Kusko, Ken Weldon, John Foster, David Thurlow, Julius Thompson. 8 of the 12 are on the standing committee and diocesan council. 10 of the 12 are males (the 2 women are on the standing committee). 7 of the 12 are clergy. The chair serves at Christ/St. Paul's with Kendall Harmon.

June 3 --- Lawrence made a deposition in Thomas Tisdale's law office for the Circuit Court. The process lasted five hours. The transcript of remarks ran to 188 pages. Entered as Exhibit D-24 in the court trial on July 23, 2014.

June 6 --- Bishop vonR led a large delegation to TEC Province IV synod at Kanuga NC and presented a report.

--- Judge Goodstein denied ECSC's motion to reconsider her denial (May 16) of their motion to add four individuals to the suit (see June 23).

June 19 --- Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth announced it had filed an appeal of the Texas Supreme Court ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.

June 23 --- Separatist diocese of Ft. Worth waived right to respond to TEC appeal of June 19.

June 23 --- ECSC filed an appeal with the SC Court of Appeals seeking to overturn Judge Goodstein's denial of request to add four individuals to the suit (see May 16, June 6).

July 3 --- Judge Goodstein ordered that the trial in the Circuit Court must begin on July 8.

--- SC Court of Appeals dismissed ECSC appeal of June 23 as well as the appeal submitted on July 3. This cleared way for trial in the Circuit Court.

July 8 --- Trial began in Circuit Court, Judge Goodstein presiding, Dorchester County Courthouse, St. George, SC. Plaintiffs opened first questioning of witnesses on the independent diocesan side.

--- Bp vonR issued a letter announcing the permission of the rite for the blessing of same-sex unions in the Episcopal Church diocese.

July 21 --- The Episcopal Church in SC (ECSC) diocese joined the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Methodist Church in submitting an amicus brief in support of the Episcopal Church diocese of Ft. Worth in its appeal to the United States Supreme Court against the secessionist element claiming to be the legitimate Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth. The Greek Orthodox Church also joined.

July 24 --- Regarding the secessionist case of Quincy, the Appellate Court of Illinois, Fourth District, ruled on TEC's appeal from the Circuit Court of Adams County denying the appeal and upholding the lower court's ruling that followed "neutral principles" and found in favor of the secessionist diocese of Quincy.

July 25 --- The trial in the Circuit Court (see July 8) ended today after fourteen days of proceedings. Judge Goodstein announced it would be at least ninety days before she would hand down her ruling.

July 28 --- The U.S. Supreme Court requested a response from the separatist diocese of Ft. Worth to the June 19 appeal of TEC. (See June 19, June 23). Answer due by August 27. The TEC appeal is on the official docket of SCOTUS for the Conference scheduled for September 29, 2014. The justices will decide whether to take the case. (see August 19)

August 19 --- The U.S. Supreme Court issued an order extending the deadline for response (see July 28) to September 26, 2014.

August 21 --- The Most Rev. Mouneer Anis (Chair of Global South, Primate of Jerusalem & Middle East) and the Most Rev. Ian Ernest (Secretary of Global South) issued a letter to the independent diocese to "welcome" the March diocesan convention's (see March 15) resolution asking for primatial oversight from Global South. Lawrence sent a letter to diocese announcing this. Neither letter gave any detail about the arrangement which remains a complete mystery.

Sept. 16 --- the Rev. H. Dagnall Free, Jr. was reinstated as a priest in good standing in the Episcopal Church in South Carolina. Free had been removed and released as a priest in 2013 after his decision to leave the Episcopal Church in the schism of 2012. He had remained on the staff of St. John's, Johns Island, one of the schismatic parishes.

Sept. 26 --- Separatist diocese of Ft. Worth filed a response in the U.S. Supreme Court (see Aug. 19). Court removed the Ft. Worth case from Sept. 29 Conference docket pending a reassignment.

Sept. 29 --- The U.S. Supreme Court let stand the decision of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals overturning the same-sex marriage law in Virginia. The Fourth Circuit includes South Carolina.

Oct. 3 --- The Archbishop of Canterbury said in an interview that the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) is "not part of the Anglican Communion."

Oct. 9 --- Lawrence participated in the consecration ceremony for the new archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America held in Atlanta but did not serve as one of the chief consecrating bishops.

Oct. 15 --- The Episcopal Church petition (see Sept. 26) to the U.S. Supreme Court distributed for the Oct. 31 Conference for a decision of the justices on whether to accept.

November 3 --- The U.S. Supreme Court denied the Episcopal Church petition on Fort Worth. (see June 19 and after).

Nov. 14-15 --- The Episcopal Church in South Carolina held its annual diocesan convention at Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston. Three new missions admitted, making a total of 30 local churches in the Episcopal Church diocese: Church of the Messiah in Myrtle Beach, East Cooper Episcopal Church at Mt. Pleasant, and the Episcopal Church in Okatie. 

Nov. 19 --- Legal same-sex marriages begin in SC. On Nov. 20 the US Supreme Court denied SC's appeal leaving the way clear for the marriages to proceed.

Nov. 26 --- Illinois state supreme court refused to accept TEC's appeal of the Illinois Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal decision favoring the secessionist diocese of Quincy.

Dec. 2 --- Bp vonR informed the Rt. Rev. William Skilton that he was not to administer the sacraments in ECSC. Skilton had been Suffragan Bp of DSC 1996-2007, and remains an Episcopal bishop. After the schism he had continued to celebrate Eucharist in DSC. By self-declaration, DSC severed all ties to TEC as of the schism of Oct. 15, 2012.

Dec. 3 --- ECSC announced that it had reached a settlement with the Church Insurance Company of Vermont. U.S. District judge Patrick Duffy had ruled on Jan. 9 in favor of ECSC and had reaffirmed his order. Settlement details undisclosed but apparently favorable to ECSC which is a self-sustaining diocese.

Dec. 4 --- DSC issued an e-newsletter stating that DSC originally estimated its litigation against TEC and ECSC to cost $2m, apparently all of which will have to come from its app. 21,000 communicants. It declared unilaterally that God is on DSC's side: "God's love and grace has permeated all we have done and said in the litigation process." DSC said it is raising $1.5m from parishes and is asking at least $500k from individual communicants. This is in view of the fact that DSC initiated the lawsuit against TEC (thus ignoring St. Paul).

Dec. 10 --- Lawyers for DSC and for ECSC submitted "Orders" or requests for judgment to Judge Goodstein of the circuit court. This  cleared the way for the judge to issue an official decision soon.

Dec. 12 --- Professor Wesley Hill, an assistant professor at Trinity School for Ministry and an openly homosexual man, gave a presentation at St. John's (DSC) on Johns Island. Hill holds that homosexuality is in-born and that gay persons should remain celibate while developing "spiritual friendships." Hill's view contradicts the traditional evangelical view that homosexuality is a choice, not a natural state.

Dec. 15 --- DSC website posted an open letter from Bp Skilton, a letter from vonR to Skilton and a letter from Skilton to vonR. (see Dec. 2 above). On Dec. 2, Bp VonR withdrew Skilton's right to administer sacraments in ECSC.

2015

  

Jan. 21 --- Mark Lawrence, bishop of the independent diocese, requested, and received, the resignation of Haden McCormick as rector of St. Philip's (DSC) parish, Charleston, effective in April of 2015. This came after a five months discussion among bishop, vestry, and rector. McC had been rector for 15 years and a stalwart ally of Lawrence.

Jan. 28 --- The U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, in Richmond, Virginia, heard oral arguments in the case of vonRosenberg v. Lawrence. ECSC had appealed the decision of U.S. District Judge Houck from August 23, 2013. Houck had refused to take the case in deference of the ongoing litigation in the state circuit court. ECSC had asked the U.S. District Court to recognize vonR and not Lawrence as the legitimate bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. The Fourth Circuit will issue a decision in a few months either dismissing ECSC's appeal or accepting it and sending the case back down to the U.S. District Court in Charleston to be reconsidered. The panel of three judges at the hearing on Jan. 28 were: Diana Motz (chair), Roger Gregory, and James Wynn, Jr.

Feb. 3 --- Judge Diane Goodstein, of the state circuit court, issued her "Final Order" in the lawsuit of DSC (the independent diocese) against TEC (the Episcopal Church) and ECSC (the Episcopal Church in South Carolina) (see Jan. 4m 2013). She ruled entirely in favor of DSC and against TEC and ECSC. The Order awarded all the property, names and insignia to DSC following the "neutral principles" standard. The trial in this case was held in July of 2014 (see July 8, 25). TEC and ECSC are most likely to appeal this to the South Carolina Court of Appeals.

Feb. 6 --- In official statements from DSC, Canon Jim Lewis and Bp. Lawrence declared the Feb 3 court decision to be the work of God. Lewis: "It should be observed that it is God's grace that has brought us to this day. Legal counsel has affirmed repeatedly that they have experienced God's grace at work in this litigation from start to finish." Lawrence: "Most grateful for the Mighty Hand of God throughout the whole ordeal...move forward with our God-given dreams and missions..."

Feb. 13 --- Lawyers for ECSC and TEC filed a 182-page "Defendant's Notice and Motion for Reconsideration of Final Order," with Judge Goodstein (see Feb. 3) requesting a reversal of her "Final Order." Goodstein's rejection of this request would clear the way for ECSC and TEC to make an appeal of the Final Order to the SC Court of Appeals. (See Feb. 23).

Feb. 18 --- DSC released statistics for diocese, parishes, and missions for the year 2013, the first full year after the schism of Oct. 2012. At the end of 2013 DSC reported 23,181 "baptized members" (23,532 in the same churches in 2011) and 17,999 "communicants" or active church members (21,363 in the same churches in 2011). [Some DSC churches still count TEC members and others as "baptized members" but not as "communicants." This explains the discrepancy in the DSC statistical tables between the near flat line in reported "baptized" and sharp drop in "communicants," or active members.]

Before the schism, DSC listed 26,976 communicants. In the period around the schism, DSC lost a total of 9,829 communicants (5,113 stayed with TEC, 4,716 left DSC churches). As of Dec. 31, 2013, DSC retained 65% of the active membership of the pre-schism diocese. The DSC churches with the largest losses of active members after the schism were: Holy Cross on Sullivans Island (-1,336), St. Michael's of Charleston (-651), Old St. Andrew's of West Ashley (-433), St. Philip's of Charleston (-365), St. Helena's of Beaufort (-353), St. John's of Florence (-277), Trinity of Myrtle Beach (-212), Holy Comforter of Sumter (-126), Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul (-116), St. James of James Island (-112), Church of the Cross in Bluffton (-102).

Feb. 23, 11:55 a.m. --- Alan Runyan, lead lawyer for DSC, filed in Judge Goodstein's court "Plaintiffs' Response to Defendants' Rule 95(e) Motion to Reconsider." This is a five page response to the TEC and ECSC "Notice..." of Feb. 13. It is mostly a reiteration of trial transcript text. Attached was the harsh order of the Eighth Circuit Court of Illinois, Adams County from Feb. 20, 2015 that reprimanded TEC entirely in favor of the secessionist diocese of Quincy.

Feb. 23, 5:07 p.m. --- Judge Diane Goodstein issued "Order Denying Motion for Reconsideration," a terse two-page rejection of TEC and ECSC's Notice of Feb. 13. Having relied on the 2009 All Saints/Waccamaw decision in her Feb. 3 ruling, Goodstein now declared "The All Saints matter is a separate and distinct matter..." TEC and ECSC lawyers are expected to file an appeal of Goodstein's Feb. 3 decision within 30 days to the SC Court of Appeals.

Feb. 27 --- DSC announced that its Legal Defense Fund had created "The 1785 Society." [1785 was the year Episcopal churches in SC formed a state association.] Anyone can join for $1,785 in exchange for a lapel pin and a group dinner with Bishop Lawrence. The point is to raise $300,000 for DSC's upcoming court costs. DSC reports spending $2,000,000 on legal expenses already.

March 2 --- Judge John P. Chupp, of the 141st District Court, Tarrant County, TX, issued an "Order on Motions for Partial Summary Judgment." It denied the request of the Episcopal Church side and granted that of the secessionist diocese of Ft. Worth. The Order was a terse four sentences without any explanation. (In Jan. of 2011, Judge Chupp had granted the motion of the Episcopal Church side. The secessionists appealed that decision to the TX supreme court which then ruled that the case must be sent back to the lower court to be reheard under "neutral principles." The hearing, very brief, was on Feb. 20, 2015. In effect, the TX supreme court forced Judge Chupp to reverse his original pro-Episcopal Church ruling.)

Mar. 14 --- DSC held its annual convention, Charleston. 5 resolutions presented and passed:   1-Resolution R-1, "Required Bonding of Treasurers" (passed by voice vote);   2- Resolution R-2, "A Resolution Tasking the Standing Committee to Adopt Marriage and Employment Policy" (SC to develop policies promoting traditional marriage only; yes-226, no-4);   3- Resolution R-3, "A Resolution Directing the Task Force to Develop Parish Resources" ("Marriage Task Force" to develop materials for parishes promoting traditional marriage only; yes-235, no-1);   4-R-4, "A Resolution to Adopt a Standing Resolution on Marriage" (a-marriage is only between one biological man and one biological woman, b-changing biological gender opposes God's purpose; yes-216, no-13);   5-R-5, "Resolution to Rescind Standing Resolutions regarding Sewanee" (canonical change to drop trustees to Sewanee; yes-208, no-2). 3 of the 5 resolutions concerned enforcement of "traditional" marriage.

No action on 1-affiliation, 2-resolution tabled last year on giving rector control of local property.

In a "workshop" talk on affiliation, Lawrence suggested DSC would expand beyond its old limits to upper SC and nearby states.

Mar. 24 --- ECSC lawyers filed: 1-"Notice of Appeal" with the SC Court of Appeals, Columbia. This appealed Judge Goodstein's final order of Feb. 3 and denial of reconsideration on Feb. 23. 2-"Motion to Certify" with the SC Supreme Court, Columbia. This requested the transfer of the case from the appeals court to the state supreme court. If the supreme court grants this motion, the case will go directly to the SC Supreme Court.

Mar. 24 --- The Rev. H. Jeff Wallace reinstated as a priest in the Episcopal Church in South Carolina, the second priest to return after the schism.

Mar. 31 --- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, in Richmond, issued an order overturning Judge C. Weston Houck's decision of Aug. 23, 2013 in which Houck deferred to the state court. A three judge panel unanimously agreed that Houck used the wrong principle for abstention. The order directed the District Court, in Charleston, to rehear the case following the Colorado River rule that requires federal courts to adjudicate cases except for very rare and extreme circumstances. The District Court can 1-abstain but only after clear cause of exceptional circumstance, or 2-render a judgment on the lawsuit.

April 2 --- This week (Holy Week), DSC sent letters to its mailing list containing two items: a note from Mark Lawrence dated Mar. 5 asking support for the 1785 fund, and a letter from the 1785 Society repeating its earlier announcement soliciting donations for the Legal Defense Fund (see Feb. 27).

April 14 --- Lawyers for DSC filed a petition with the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals for a rehearing of its March 31 decision to remand the case to District Court under the Colorado River rule.

April 15 --- The South Carolina Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal of the circuit court decision (Feb. 3, 2015). The Court denied DSC's motion to expedite the case and set the date of Sept. 23, 2015, for oral arguments before the court with no possibility of extension. The two sides will present briefs to the court in the near future. The case will bypass the state court of appeals. South Carolina thus becomes the first time that a state supreme court will issue a judgment on the matter of the legal relationship of the Episcopal Church and one of its dioceses (PA, TX, and IL state supreme courts all refused to judge the issue and left it to the lower courts).

April 16 --- Rev. Jim Lewis, DSC Canon to the Ordinary, posted a letter to his diocese making serious charges against TEC and ECSC: --DSC was engaged in settlement discussions when DSC left TEC in 2012, --TEC has never made a settlement of a lawsuit, --DSC told TEC lawyers in 2013 that it would consider a written offer for a settlement, and there has been none from the TEC/ECSC side. Lewis offered no evidence for these charges.

April 21 --- William Oldland installed as rector of St. Bartholomew's, in Hartsville. He had served for eight years as rector of St. David's, in Cheraw. He left there in late 2014. Following decline in membership after the schism, St. David's found it could not afford a full-time rector. St. David's was one of numerous small parishes and missions affected by the declining membership in DSC.

April 28-29 --- Lawrence and other leaders of DSC held a conference with Foley Beach and other leaders of the Anglican Church in North America at Camp St. Christopher to discuss possibilities of the affiliation of DSC with ACNA. The meeting ended without a statement.

April 29 --- The U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an Order denying DSC's petition for rehearing (see Apr. 14). This means the U.S. District Court in Charleston must reconsider Judge Houck's decision of abstention (see August 2013).

May 15 --- Attorneys for TEC and ECSC filed an initial brief in their appeal to the SC Supreme Court (hearing set for Sept. 23, 2015). The 51-page paper criticized Judge Goodstein's circuit court Order of Feb. 3 on process, procedure, and findings and suggested that since Goodstein's decision was so replete with errors the state supreme court should start over (de novo) with the case. The DSC side has 30 days to file a response.

May 19 --- Bishop Hector Zavala, primate of the Anglican province of South America and member of primates' committee of Global South, met with the DSC Diocesan Council "so you can continue being part of the Anglican Communion."

May 20 --- DSC hosted informal receptions in Summerton and Charleston for the public to talk with Bishop Zavala. Zavala: "I'm here with you today with the consent of the Archbishop of Canterbury." He may have implied the ABC approved of Global South's primatial oversight of DSC. He said the majority of Anglicans in the world "recognize" DSC as "part" of the Anglican Communion.

May 25 --- Lambeth Palace, the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, announced that the ABC had been informed of the Global South primate's decision to set up primatial oversight when he joined them for their final day (Cairo; Feb. 15) and that the ABC had had discussions "exploring the exercising of pastoral, not episcopal oversight by Bishop Zavala."

May 29 --- Church Times, the official Church of England newspaper, published the announcement that Lambeth Palace had sent by e-mail to this author on May 25.

June 1 --- Thomas Tisdale, chancellor of ECSC sent a letter to the DSC lawyers offering to negotiate a settlement. He offered to surrender all claims to the properties of the 35 parishes in the lawsuit against TEC and ECSC in return for the legal rights, property, and assets of the pre-schism diocese. He said the Presiding Bishop had approved the offer. (see June 15)

June 11 --- Judge Houck, of the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, held a procedural hearing with the attorneys of DSC and ECSC. DSC lawyers had already filed a motion with Houck to dismiss the case. Houck gave DSC attorneys until June 30 to present a brief in support of their motion (see June 30). He also gave ECSC attorneys 15 days afterwards for them to submit a response brief (see July 15). Houck is under direction of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals (see Mar. 31) to reconsider the case following the Colorado River standard that requires federal courts to adjudicate federal law except for rare circumstances. The case in federal court charges violation of a federal law, the Lanham Act. See: Mar. 5-7, 28, June 6, 10, Aug. 8, 23, 2013.

June 15 --- DSC rejected Tisdale's offer of June 1 to negotiate a settlement and issued press releases denouncing what they saw as the malevolent motives, policies, and procedures of the TEC side.

June 15 --- Attorneys for the independent diocese submitted their response brief (see May 15) to the South Carolina Supreme Court basically arguing that the court should affirm its 2009 decision in the All Saints case which overruled the Dennis Canon and recognized the All Saints, Pawleys Island, claim of local ownership of the property.

June 17 --- gunman massacred nine persons in Emanuel A.M.E. Church on Calhoun Street in Charleston. The next day, bishops vonR and Lawrence issued similar statements calling for prayers, fellowship of grieving, support for the whole community, self-examination, and a seeking of ways forward in healing, reconciliation and peace in Charleston and in South Carolina.

June 25 --- 78th General Convention of TEC (June 25-July 3) opened in Salt Lake City. ECSC delegation: Bishop vonR, Clergy: Jim Taylor, Wilmot T. Merchant, II, Richard Lindsey, Michael Wright; Laity: Thomas Tisdale, Lonnie Hamilton, Mary Ann Foy, Andrea McKellar. SC delegation enthusiastically participating in GC for first time in three decades. Two former bishops of South Carolina, Salmon and Skilton, attended GC but did not take seats with the SC delegation. 

June 25 --- TEC and ECSC lawyers filed "Initial Reply Brief" with the South Carolina Supreme Court in response to DSC lawyers' brief of June 15 (see May 15, June 15). The 25-page paper argues the circuit court's decision (see Feb. 3) violates the First Amendment and neutral principles.

June 26 --- The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the legality of same sex marriage in the U.S. DSC issued a statement affirming its stand for heterosexual marriage only.

June 26 --- President Obama delivered the eulogy at the funeral of the Rev. Clamenta Pinckney at College of Charleston. The vice president, a delegation from Congress, and Hillary Clinton also attended.

June 27 --- The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, was elected 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. He won 70% of the vote on the first ballot (121 of 174). He will be the first Presiding Bishop who is African American.

June 30 --- Attorneys of Mark Lawrence filed "Memorandum in Support of Defendant Lawrence's Supplemental Motion to Dismiss or in the Alternative to Stay Proceedings" in the U.S. District Court in Charleston (see June 11, 2015). They argued that the state court (see Feb. 3, 2015) had already settled the issues at hand and asked the court to either dismiss this case or issue a stay pending the upcoming state supreme court decision. (See ECSC response of July 15, 2015).

July 1 --- General Convention of TEC adopted same-sex marriage for the Church. Two resolutions passed House of Bishops (June 29) and House of Deputies (July 1)overwhelmingly to provide for trial liturgy and canonical change allowing same-sex marriage in the Episcopal Church starting Nov. 29, 2015 in places where civil law permits this. Bishop vonR and the ECSC delegation voted unanimously in favor of both resolutions.

July 2 --- "Communion Partners Salt Lake City Statement" issued by 18 bishops in dissent of July 1 actions by GC on marriage equality. While criticizing the resolutions, the Statement declared loyalty to TEC. 2 who signed were Salmon, retired bishop of South Carolina, and Skilton, retired bishop suffragan of South Carolina. (Skilton voted against the resolutions favoring marriage equality in the House of Bishops on June 29. Salmon was not on the list of bishops voting). In response to the Communion Partners Statement, the House of Bishops issued a declaration, "Communion Across Difference" emphasizing the diversity and unity of the Episcopal Church.

July 4-7 --- GAFCON elements denounced the TEC resolutions on marriage equality. These were prominently displayed on the Titus One Nine website, the quasi-official site of DSC. On July 4, Global South issued a statement declaring TEC had contradicted God's plan. It was signed by nine Anglican primates of Africa, Asia, and South America (Zavala). On July 6, GAFCON issued a statement under the signatures of the primates of Nigeria and Kenya denouncing TEC's action and reasserting its support for the replacement Anglican Church in North America. On July 7, the Anglican primate of Uganda strongly criticized TEC's reform and "their imperialist commitment to export it to the rest of the Anglican Communion." (General Convention had passed resolution AO51 "Support LGBT African Advocacy" directing TEC to act in aid of "(LGBTI) sisters and brothers in Africa.")

July 15 --- Attorney Tisdale filed "Plaintiff's Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant's Supplemental Motion to Dismiss or in the Alternative to Stay the Proceedings" in the U.S. District Court in Charleston (see June 11 and 30, 2015). Tisdale argued that the state court action was not parallel to the federal court's and that the court must follow the Colorado River principle as directed by the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

July 21 --- Bp vonR announced that same-sex marriage will begin in ECSC on November 29, 2015. (See July 1)

July 24 --- Judge Chupp, district court, Tarrant Co TX, 141st district, issued "Final Judgment," a terse four-page statement finding all in favor of the secessionist diocese of Ft. Worth (see March 2, 2015). The TEC diocese of Ft. Worth is expected to appeal this decision to the 2nd Court of Appeals, a state appeals court of 7 justices (6 women, I man; all elected) located in Ft. Worth with jurisdiction over 12 counties. This court has not considered this case. Chupp's original decision favoring the TEC diocese was appealed directly to the TX Supreme Court which sent it back to Chupp with orders to follow neutral principles, hence today's ruling. (see Dec. 3).

Sept. --- DSC announces creation of Anglican Leadership Institute offering a first semester in Jan. 2016 and a second semester in Sept. 2016. Its purpose is to train "orthodox" Anglican "leaders." Applicants must sign a statement rejecting both marriage equality for homosexuals and the Episcopal Church.

Sept. 2 --- Rev. Jim Lewis, assistant to Mark Lawrence, issued a press release for DSC calling for prayers for courtroom victory in the upcoming state supreme court hearing and giving an official prayer for DSC: "It is our prayerful hope that the state Supreme Court will uphold this decision [Goodstein's] in its entirety." Lewis continued the theme (see Feb. 6, 2015) that God is on DSC's side: "Recognizing that divine favor which has overshadowed us from the beginning..."

Sept. 21 --- Judge Houck, of the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, issued "Order" granting Lawrence's motion to stay proceedings pending the resolution of the state supreme court case. (See June 11, June 30, and July 15, 2015)

Sept. 23 --- The South Carolina Supreme Court held a hearing on the TEC/ECSC appeal of Judge Goodstein's Order of Feb. 3, 2015. In time, the justices will issue a written decision.

Oct. 6 --- DSC Standing Committee adopted "A Statement of Faith," from the Marriage Task Force. The Statement declared: --the Bible the "final authority," --the bishop the "final interpretive authority," --God assigned gender to all human beings, --that altering one's gender is "in conflict" with God's will, --marriage is only for one woman and one man for lifetime, --sexual intimacy "is to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other," --and all employees and "leaders" of the diocese must "agree to abide" by the Statement of Faith.
Committee also adopted "Additions to Diocesan Employee Handbook," also from the Marriage Task Force, requiring "all persons employed by the Diocese in any capacity, or who serve as leaders" to sign an oath of allegiance to the Statement of Faith, and giving the bishop the right to "discharge" employees at will.  

October 10 --- Mark Lawrence "ordained" to the priesthood Martha Horn, the first woman he has ordained to the priesthood and the first woman ordained priest in DSC since the schism of 2012.

October 14-16 --- Global South primates met in Cairo: agreed to attend Jan. meeting called  by the Archbishop of Canterbury; condemned the Episcopal Church; praised Mark Lawrence; recognized Anglican Church in North America and made its Archbishop a member of the Primates' Council.

October 19-21 --- Foley Beach, Archbishop of ACNA, addressed the Fall Clergy Conference of DSC: "the discussion was frank."

October 19 --- Thomas Tisdale, chancellor of ECSC, filed "Notice of Appeal" with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (Richmond) appealing Judge Houck's "Order" of Sept. 21 granting a stay in the suit of VonRosenberg v. Lawrence that had been remanded to Judge Houck by the U.S. Court of Appeals (see Mar. 31; Sept. 21)

Nov. 1 --- The Most Rev. Michael Curry installed as XXVII Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church at the Washington National Cathedral. A delegation of 11 communicants from ECSC attended.

Nov. 3 --- DSC Standing Committee adopted "A Facilities Use Policy" requiring anyone using church facilities to sign an oath recognizing the Statement of Faith and giving the bishop approval over all facility usage. This is meant to prevent same-sex marriage ceremonies on DSC church properties.

Nov. 5 --- ECSC, Diocesan Future Committee formed to study models for future development of diocese and report to annual convention.

Nov. 13-14 --- ECSC held its diocesan convention at Holy Cross/Faith Memorial Church, Pawleys Island. St. Mark's, Port Royal, admitted as a parish (mostly refugees from schismatic St. Helena's of Beaufort); Grace Church, Charleston, designated as the cathedral of the diocese.

Nov. 29 --- Same-sex marriage began in the Episcopal Church, at the discretion of the local bishop, and in ECSC.

Dec. 3 --- The Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth and the Episcopal Church filed briefs in the Court of Appeals, 2nd District of Texas asking overturn of July 24 decision.

2016

Jan. 4 --- DSC began its first month-long "semester" of its Anglican Leadership Institute with 14 students. Applicants could get full scholarships, but all applicants were required to sign a pledge rejecting both marriage equality and the Episcopal Church.

Jan. 11 --- The Archbishop of Canterbury opened a meeting of the 38 primates of the independent provinces of the Anglican Communion, in Canterbury. It is scheduled to last for five days.


Jan. 12 --- In the primates' gathering, Uganda made a motion to ask the withdrawal of TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada. The motion failed to carry. The Ugandan primate left Canterbury.


Jan. 13 --- In the primates' gathering, a motion was made to remove TEC from AC for three years; voted down 15-20. An agreement was adopted to impose sanctions on TEC for three years [one report said vote 26-yes, 3-no, 6-abstentions].


Jan. 14 --- Bishop Charles vonRosenberg announced he will retire as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina soon after June 26, 2016.


Jan. 14 --- At their Canterbury gathering, the Anglican primates released an official statement. It prescribed "consequences" (punishment) for the Episcopal Church: suspension from official functions in the Anglican Communion for three years. The offense identified causing this "consequence" was TEC's disturbing the unity of the AC by alteration of its marriage canons to allow same-sex marriage.


Jan. 15 --- Presiding Bishop Curry and House of Deputies president Gay Jennings said TEC will not change any policy on homosexuality. Jennings said she would attend the Anglican Consultative Council in April and participate fully.


Jan. 15 ---- Final Communique of primates' gathering issued, Canterbury Jan. 11-15: --set next Lambeth Conference at 2020, next primates' meetings for 2017, 2019, --rejected criminal sanctions against homosexual people (but not against homosexual acts), --refused to admit the Anglican Church in North America to AC and referred question to the Anglican Consultative Council with discouragement; ACNA archbishop denied recognition as a primate.


Jan. 15 --- ABC held press conference: --apologized to gays on behalf of church, --insisted on word "consequences" for TEC not sanctions or punishment, --stressed unity of AC, --on key questions said "I don't know." --ABC accompanied by 2 primates (Hong Kong and Southern Africa) while 33 were absent including all of GAFCON.


Feb. 15 --- Archbishop of Canterbury made an address to the CofE General Synod giving criteria for membership in the Anglican Communion.


Feb. 11 --- ECSC Standing Committee met Bishop Clay Matthews, of the Office of Pastoral Development (TEC) and resolved to seek a new provisional bishop for ECSC. ECSC will make a nomination of a candidate to be approved by a special convention.


Feb. 22 --- ECSC filed "Opening Brief of Appellant the Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg," in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (Richmond). This supported ECSC's appeal of Judge Houck's decision (see Oct. 19, 2015) to abstain. The brief presented two main arguments against Houck's abstention: the court did not adhere to the Colorado River standard for abstention, and the federal court was wrong to see this case as parallel to the state court action.

Feb. 23 --- DSC Marriage Task Force issued report establishing condemnation of and diocesan institutional opposition to marriage equality through resolutions of the Standing Committee. Adoption of 4 policies: 1-"A Statement of Faith" (for DSC) (SC Oct. 6, 2015), 2-A Statement of Faith (for parishes), 3-"Additions to Diocesan Employee Handbook" requiring all employees and "leaders" to sign a pledge of allegiance to the Statement of Faith and giving the bishop the right to terminate employment at will (SC Oct. 6, 2015), 4-"A Facilities Use Policy" (SC Nov. 3, 2015) requiring anyone using church facilities to sign an oath not to violate the Statement of Faith and giving the bishop authority over use of the church facilities. This would prevent same-sex marriage ceremonies on all DSC diocesan and local church properties.    

March 12 --- DSC held its annual meeting of the convention in Bluffton. Closed to the public. The task force on affiliation, chosen by Mark Lawrence two years ago, recommended DSC join the Anglican Church in North America. Since this would require the votes of two successive convention meetings, a special convention will be called in the Fall of 2016 and the second and final vote will come in the annual convention of 2017. The ACNA is not recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury or the Anglican Communion.


April 5 --- The 5th District Court of Appeals in California rejected the appeal of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin. This left standing Judge Donald Black's May 5, 2014 decision finding all in favor of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. All of the rights and assets of the pre-schism diocese are to be relinquished to the EPSJ. ADSJ may ask for a rehearing or appeal to the California Supreme Court. (see 20 April).


April 8-10 --- The Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, visited ECSC. He participated in services and programs at several Episcopal churches in Charleston. Details:  www.episcopalchurchsc.org/presiding-bishop-currys-visit-2016.html . The Very Rev. Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral also participated in the visit.


April 8 --- Anglican Consultative Council opened meeting in Lusaka, Zambia (Anglican Province of Central Africa). TEC represented by three delegates. 3 of the 38 provinces boycotted the meeting (Uganda, Nigeria, and Rwanda) to protest TEC. The ABC, the Anglican Secretary-General, and the president of the ACC all defended TEC. Meeting to continue to 19 April.


April 11 --- DSC hosted "Voices of the Anglican Communion" at Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, Charleston, 6-8 p.m. 10 speakers, 6 from Uganda; all from provinces opposed to rights for homosexuals and hostile to TEC.


April 18 --- Anglican Consultative Council (see Apr. 8) rejected the primates' statement (see Jan. 14, 2016) imposing punishment, called "consequences", on TEC.


April 19 --- GAFCON Primates' Council met in Nairobi (until 23 April). Council: Chair, Eliud Wabukala (Kenya), Nicholas Okoh (Nigeria), Stanley Ntagali (Uganda), Henry Isingoma (Congo), Onesphore Rwaje (Rwanda), Daniel Bul (Sudan), Hector Zavala (South America), Foley Beach (Anglican Church in North America).


April 19 --- Texas Second Court of Appeals, in Ft. Worth, held a hearing in the case of the Episcopal Church's appeal of 141st District Judge John Chupp's July 24, 2015 judgment awarding all to the secessionist diocese of Fort Worth.


April 20 --- Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin filed "Petition for Rehearing" with the California Fifth District Court of Appeals (see April 5, May 13).


April 22 --- GAFCON Primates' meeting (see Apr. 19) issued "Nairobi Communiqué 2016," blasting TEC for "deliberately walking away" and the recent Anglican Consultative Council meeting for its "inability" and "damage."

April 28 --- ECSC Standing Committee heard report from its search subcommittee on recommendation of candidate for new bishop. Once the nominee is announced, a special convention will be called for election.

May 13 --- Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin filed a petition with the California Supreme Court on appeal of Judge Black's May 5, 2014, decision that found all in favor of the Episcopal Church side. (see April 20). Since the state appeals court declined to take the case, it is unlikely the state supreme court will accept it. The CA Supreme Court has until July 14 to announce whether it will take the case. If it refuses, Black's decision will stand as the law. (see July 13).

June 29 --- The Rt. Rev. Edward Lloyd Salmon, Jr., died. He was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina from 1990 to 2008. Although a conservative critic of the Episcopal Church, he opposed secession from the Church.

June 30 --- Episcopal Church in South Carolina announced new nominee to be next provisional bishop, Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. "Skip" Adams III, soon to retire bishop of Central New York. Election will be in special convention, Sept. 10, at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston. If elected, he will replace Bishop vonRosenberg.

July 13 --- Supreme Court of California denied Anglican petition for review of lower court decision (see May 13). This ended 7 years of litigation in the case of San Joaquin and ended it on the side of the Episcopal Church. Bishop Menees of the Anglican diocese of San Joaquin acknowledged legal defeat and announced the surrender of all properties to the Episcopal diocese.

September 10 --- The Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. "Skip" Adams, III, elected and installed at special meeting of the convention of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina, at Grace Church Cathedral, in Charleston. He succeeded the Rt. Rev. Charles G. vonRosenberg as bishop provisional of ECSC. Bishop vonRosenberg succeeded Bishop Mark Lawrence who abandoned the Episcopal Church on October 15, 2012, and was released and removed as a bishop of the Episcopal Church on December 5, 2012.

November 11-12 --- ECSC held its annual meeting of the convention at Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston.

November 11 --- the Rev. Matt McCormick rejoined the Episcopal Church diocese of South Carolina after having abandoned the Church in the schism of 2012. He was the third priest to leave the schismatic side in South Carolina to rejoin the Episcopal Church.

November 28 --- ABC Justin Welby wrote to the 37 other primates inviting them to convene in Canterbury Oct. 2-7 and reiterating his theme of walking together: "Our battle is not against flesh and blood, least of all against each other...We are all in the one boat."

December 9 --- Hearing in the U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit (Richmond), on the appeal of TEC/ECSC of Judge Houck's stay of September 21, 2015 (see Oct. 19, 2015, Feb. 22, 2016). (See Feb. 21, 2017).

2017

February 15 --- Synod of the Church of England rejected a bishops' report that declared marriage to be only between a man and a woman.

February 21 --- The U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, remanded the case of vonRosenberg v. Lawrence to the U.S. District Court in Charleston for adjudication. The three appeals judges ruled unanimously that the District Court had erred in refusing to hear the case. (see Dec. 9, 2016).

March 11 --- DSC convention voted to join the Anglican Church in North America. Vote was unanimous after Bp Lawrence, Peter Jensen, secretary general of GAFCON, Peter Akinola, "founding father" of GAFCON, and Foley Beach, archbishop of ACNA all lobbied for passage.

March 17 --- the Rev. Catharine Moore Norris was ordained to the priesthood in the DSC, at Holy Cross, Sullivans Island. She is the second woman to be ordained in DSC since the schism. Norris was ordained by Bp Hobby, of the Anglican Dio. of Pitt. Bp Lawrence has ordained only one woman to the priesthood, Martha Horn.

June 8 --- The Episcopal Church of Scotland resolved to allow same-sex couples to marry in its churches.

June 27 --- The Provincial Council of the Anglican Church in North America voted to admit DSC to the ACNA.

July 9 --- The Synod of the Church of England resolved to welcome transgendered people and to explore new liturgies to support the tendsgender process.

July 19 --- Judge Charles Weston Houck died. He was the U.S. District judge, in Charleston, who had handled the federal actions in the Church case (see Feb. 21, 2017). Judge Patrick Duffy assumed the case in the U.S. District Court. The case was later assigned to Richard Gergel.

August 2 --- South Carolina Supreme Court overturned most of the circuit court decision of Feb. 3, 2015 (the hearing was on Sept. 23, 2015). The Court:
1-recognized legal rights of TEC and ECSC, by way of the Dennis Canon, over 29 of the 35 parishes in DSC. 
2-left 7 parishes in local hands. 
3-said Camp St. Christopher belongs to the Episcopal Church diocese.
4-deferred to the federal court the decision on which of the two dioceses should have the legal rights of the old diocese.

August 4 --- ECSC held meeting of all diocesan authorities, clergy, and parish officers, and representatives of the nine missions in exile, at Grace Church Cathedral, to discuss legal issues.

August 8 --- In the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, Judge Gergel (see July 19) issued a scheduling order in the case of vonRosenberg v. Lawrence. Discovery is to be completed by December of 2017. Trial is to be held in March of 2018.

August 9 --- Publication of A History of the Episcopal Church Schism in South Carolina by Ronald James Caldwell. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock. 523 p. $62.00.

August 15 --- The Episcopal Church filed a motion to be enjoined with ECSC in the vonRosenberg v. Lawrence suit in U.S. District Court, Judge Gergel. (see Aug. 8).

August 22 --- DSC filed an opposition to TEC's motion of Aug. 15.

August 23 --- Judge Gergel, issued an "Order and Opinion" granting TEC's motion (see Aug. 15) and dismissing DSC's claims in opposition (see Aug. 22).

August 30 --- With agreement of the two parties, Judge Richard Gergel, of the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, ordered mediation. He appointed as mediator U.S. District Court senior judge, Joseph Anderson. (Court rules direct mediation to begin within 30 days of order.) 

September 1 --- DSC lawyers made request in the South Carolina Supreme Court for a time extension to file Petition for Rehearing. In the request, the lawyers revealed the news that Judge Richard Gergel, on agreement of the two parties, had ordered mediation on August 30. Court denied request for time extension. DSC lawyers then filed three motions of Petition for Rehearing, one for Church of the Good Shepherd, of Charleston, one in general, and one asking for retroactive recusal of Justice Kaye Hearn and vacancy of her opinion in the August 2 Court decision.

September 7 --- South Carolina Supreme Court asked the Episcopal Church in South Carolina to file a response to DSC's petitions for rehearing, of Sept. 1, and to do so within 10 days.

September 18 --- Church lawyers (see Sept. 7)  filed a "Return" with SCSC arguing that DSC's request for rehearing (Sept. 1) was mostly a rehash and that Justice Hearn had a right to judge the case. They asked the SCSC to dismiss DSC's three petitions for rehearing.

September 19 --- TEC side filed "Amici Curiae Brief of The Honorable (retired) William T. Howell and The Honorable (retired) H. Samuel Stilwell in Opposition to Respondents' Motion to Recuse" with SCSC. These retired judges argued that Justice Hearn had every right to participate and that she had broken no ethics rules.
This paper included two addenda: 1-"Affidavit of Rebecca Lovelace" refuting the Rev. Tripp Jeffords' affadavit; 2-"Affidavit of Expert Opinion of Dr. Gregory B. Adams." Adams was a University of SC law professor and specialist in judicial ethics. He argued that Hearn had broken no ethics rules.

September 25 --- DSC filed in SCSC, "Reply in Support of Motion to Recuse the Honorable Justice Kaye G. Hearn..." in response to TECSC's "Return" of Sept. 18. This mostly defended the timeliness of the motion and again called for Hearn to recuse herself.

October 4 --- Organizational meeting for mediation, in Columbia. The two sides, TEC/TECSC and DSC, met with senior U.S. District Judge Joseph Anderson and agreed to set the first mediation session on November 6, 2017. 

October 2-6 --- Anglican primates met in Canterbury. Three boycotted the meeting: Uganda, Nigeria, and Rwanda. Primates issued a Communiqué declaring the Anglican Church in North America not to be a province of the Anglican Communion.

October 13 --- DSC filed with the SC Supreme Court, "Response to Amicus Curiae Brief of the Honorable William T. Howell and the Honorable H. Samuel Stilwell." (See Sept. 19).

November 6-7 --- First mediation session between TEC/TECSC and DSC, in Columbia, led by senior federal district judge, Joseph Anderson. At 10:45 a.m., Nov. 7, the two parties announced a recess in the talks until December 4, 2017. Mediation had been ordered by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel on Aug. 30, 2017. All legal issues, in federal and state courts, are open for consideration.

November 10 --- The Palmetto Family Council sponsored a move in support of DSC's petitions for rehearing in SCSC: "Brief for 106 Religious Leaders as Amici Curiae in Support of Respondents' Petition for Rehearing."

November 10-11 --- TECSC held 227th annual convention, at All Saints Church, Hilton Head.

November 17 --- The South Carolina Supreme Court responded to DSC's petitions of September 1, 2017. The court issued two "Orders". One denied a rehearing (vote was 2-2; no majority meant denial). The other denied Justice Hearn's recusal (unanimous).

November 17 --- SCSC issued a "Remittitur" order to the circuit court directing the court to enact the Aug. 2 decision.

November 19 --- DSC opened a new lawsuit against TEC/TECSC in state court. It filed "Summons" and "Complaint" in the circuit court, Dorchester County. This demanded payments from TEC/TECSC under the "Betterments Statute" in which the property owner(s) owes reparations to illegal occupants for the improvements they made to the properties in question. (see Nov. 20)

November 20 --- DSC filed "Amended Complaint" in circuit court. (see Nov. 19; September 9, 2019; September 11,2019)

November 21 --- DSC bishop and standing committee announced DSC would appeal the SC Supreme Court decision of Aug. 2 to the U.S. Supreme Court. DSC has 90 days from Nov. 17 decision to submit an appeal to SCOTUS (Feb. 15, 2018).

December 1 --- "Parish Contingency Plan Template" secretly sent to DSC parishes, apparently by DSC officials at diocesan headquarters. This 4-page paper outlined ways for congregations (of the 29 parishes) to leave their buildings and relocate elsewhere. This Plan was released on the Internet on Feb. 21, 2018.

December 4 --- Second round of mediation talks ended abruptly. Mediation recessed a second time, this time until January 11-12, 2018.

December 15 --- The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina filed in the circuit court of Dorchester County "Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Complaint." This asked the court to discard DSC's Complaint of November 19, 2017.

December 27 --- DSC lawyers filed "Motion to Establish Complex Case Designation" in support of their Nov. 19 Complaint.

2018

January 10 --- DSC suit of Nov. 19, 2017, in Dorchester County circuit court, assigned to Judge Edgar Dickson "for administrative purposes." This was by direction of Judge Diane Goodstein as the chief administrative judge of that court.

January 12 --- Third session of mediation. At conclusion, no information released and no date set for a subsequent meeting.

January 18 --- TECSC lawyers filed "Notice of Motion and Motion for Pro Hac Vice Admission" in the circuit court, Dorchester County. This was to admit TEC lawyers David Booth Beers and Mary Kostel as attorneys for the Church side in DSC's Nov. 19, 2017 suit. DSC attorney Alan Runyan consented. The Motion was granted on Jan. 31, 2018.

January 23 --- TEC and TECSC submitted a proposal to DSC for a protocol of discussions between TEC/TECSC and the parishes of DSC concerning a settlement. DSC was given until Feb. 2 to respond.

January 25 --- Bishops vonRosenberg and Adams, on the Church side, and Lawrence, on the DSC side submitted in the U.S. District Court, Charleston, "Joint Status Report" giving their views of the progress of the mediation. They agreed the mediation was ongoing and announced TEC/TECSC's proposal (see Jan. 23) and said there had been no progress on diocesan property and Lanham Act issues. TEC/TECSC said it was not opposed to the court's lifting the stay and resuming the case. 

January 26 --- Presiding Bishop Michael Curry presided over the closing Eucharist of the Forma conference at Grace Church Cathedral.

February 2 --- Deadline for Bp Lawrence to respond to TEC/TECSC's proposal of Jan. 23. [At this point, one cannot know the response. It and its contents are covered by the confidentiality of the mediation.]

February 9 --- DSC filed "Petition for Writ of Certiorari" with the U.S. Supreme Court as an appeal of the SC Supreme Court ruling of Aug. 2, 2017. [TEC and TECSC temporarily waived their right to file a response to DSC's petition.] (See June 7)

February 14 --- U.S. District Court judge Richard Gergel lifted the stay in the case of vonRosenberg v. Lawrence which had been in place since Aug. 30 at the start of the mediation process. A trial in this case is expected later this year. 

February 20 --- Bp Lawrence filed a motion in the U.S. District Court, Charleston,to dismiss part of the charges against him in the case of vonRosenberg v. Lawrence:  "Defendant the Right Reverend Mark J. Lawrence's Motion to Dismiss Count II of the Plaintiff Bishops' Second Amended Complaint for Lack of Standing Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1)." Lawrence also filed an explanation of the motion: "Memorandum in Support of Defendant the Right Reverend Mark J. Lawrence's Motion to Dismiss Count II of the Plaintiff Bishops' Second Amended Complaint for Lack of Standing Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(B)(1), (See March 6, March 7).

February 27 --- SCOTUS requested a response from TEC/TECSC concerning DSC's Feb. 9 petititon. Date for response set at March 29, 2018.

March --- Samuel J. Richards reviewed A History of the Episcopal Church Schism in South Carolina in Anglican and Episcopal History, Vol. 87, No. 1 (March 2018) pp. 83-85. 

March 1 --- TEC and TECSC filed seven papers in the U.S. District Court, Charleston, in the case of vonRosenberg v. Lawrence:

  (1) - "Motion to Intervene and Join Parties and Claims by the Episcopal Church in South Carolina." This requests addition to the case of the Corporation of the Trustees, of the Diocese of South Carolina, and the parishes of the DSC.

   (2) - "Bishops vonRosenberg's and Adams' Motion to Amend their Complaint and Join Parties and Claims." 

  (3) - "Motion of the Episcopal Church to Amend Its Amended Complaint-in-Intervention to Join Parties and Claims."

  (4) - "(Proposed) Second Amended Complaint-in-Intervention." This essentially asks the court to enact the TEC/TECSC control over the 28 parishes involved in the state supreme court decision of Aug. 2, 2017.

  (5) - "[Proposed] Third Amended Complaint by Bishop vonRosenberg Bishop Adams & Intervenor the Episcopal Church in South Carolina (the "Associated Diocese")." This essentially asks for TEC/TECSC to regain possession of the corporation of the Trustees, of DSC, and the 28 parishes in question.

  (6) - "Memorandum in Support of Bishops vonRosenberg and Adams' and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina's Respective Motions to Intervene, to Join Parties and Claims to Amend Complaint."

  (7) - "Memorandum in Support of the Episcopal Church's Motion to Amend its Amended Complaint-in-Intervention to Join Parties and Claims."

March 6 --- TECSC filed in the U.S. District Court, Charleston, a response to Lawrence's Motion to Dismiss of Feb. 20: "Bishops vonRosenberg and Adams' Response to Bishop Lawrence's Motion to Dismiss." (See Feb. 20).

March 7 --- U.S. District Court, Charleston, judge Richard Gergel issued "Order" denying Lawrence's Feb. 20 Motion to Dismiss part of the lawsuit against him. (See Feb. 20, March 6).

March 23 --- TEC/TECSC requested of SCOTUS time extension for response to April 30, 2018. (see Feb. 27.) They also announced that friends of DSC would be filing "amici curiae" briefs in support of DSC's petition of Feb. 9.

March 23 --- DSC filed "Motion for Clarification of Jurisdiction and for Other Relief" with the circuit court of Dorchester County. This asked the court to clarify how the issues resulting from the SC supreme court decision of Aug. 2, 2017 would be addressed.

March 27 --- SCOTUS granted TEC/TECSC's request of Mar. 23. New deadline for all respondents is April 30, 2018.

March 29 --- Two Amici Curiae briefs filed in favor of DSC: 1-"Brief for Professors Randy Beck, Ashutosh Bragwat, Samuel Bray, Nathan Chapman, Robert Cochran, Richard Epstein, Marci Hamilton, John Inazu, Michael McConnell, John Nagle, Michael Paulsen, Lawrence Sager, Chaim Saiman, James Stern, Anna Su, Nelson Tebbe, Eugene Volokh, and Robin Fretwell Wilson as Amici Curiae in Support of Certiorari."
2-"Brief of the Falls Church Anglican and the American Anglican Council as Amici Curiae in Support of Petitioners."

April 5 --- Texas Second Court of Appeals found in favor of the TEC diocese (see Apr. 19, 2016; July 24, 2015) and ordered the case remanded to the lower court for new judgment. (Bp. Iker announced he would appeal directly to the TX supreme court.)

April 6 --- Dr. Jeremy Morris, of Cambridge University, reviewed A History of the Episcopal Church Schism in South Carolina in Church Times.

April 16 --- Judge Richard Gergel, of the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, issued "Order and Opinion" granting TEC/TECSC right to press claims against DSC, its parishes and its Trustees but denied their request for trust enforcement. He suggested they press their property claims in the circuit court.

April 25 --- Lawyers for TEC requested of the U.S. Supreme Court time extension for filing response to DSC (Feb. 9). Court granted extension to May 7, 2018.

May 7 --- Lawyers for TEC and TECSC filed "Brief for Respondents in Opposition" with the U.S. Supreme Court. This was in response to DSC's petition of Feb. 9 and DSC's Amici curiae briefs of March 29.

May 8 --- Lawyers for TEC and TECSC filed "Defendants' Petition for Execution and Further Relief on Declaratory Judgments of the South Carolina Supreme Court and for the Appointment of a Special Master," in the Circuit Court, Dorchester County.

May 9 --- Lawyer for TECSC filed "Third Amended Complaint by Bishop vonRosenberg Bishop Adams & Intervenor The Episcopal Church in South Carolina (the "Associated Diocese")," in the U.S. District Court, in Charleston.

May 14 --- The circuit court of Dorchester County scheduled a hearing on TEC/TECSC's motion to dismiss of Dec. 15, 2017, and DSC's motion to establish complex case of Dec. 27, 2017. The hearing was set for May 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. (see May 22).

May 15 --- Lawyers for DSC filed "Reply Brief for Petitioners," in the U.S. Supreme Court. (See May 7).

May 16 --- TEC/TECSC filed, in the circuit court of Dorchester County, "Defendants' Amended Petition for Execution and Further Relief on Declaratory Judgments of the South Carolina Supreme Court and for the Appointment of a Special Master." (See May 8).

May 22 --- The U.S. Supreme Court set June 7 as the date for the conference of justices to consider DSC's petition for cert.

May 22 --- The circuit court of Dorchester County accepted a motion from DSC, supported by TEC/TECSC, to postpone the scheduled hearing of May 30 (see May 14). The court will decide a new date for a hearing.

June 7 --- The justices of the U.S. Supreme Court met in conference and denied DSC's writ of certiorari (see Feb. 9). The decision was publicly announced on June 11.

June 11 --- U.S. Supreme Court released announcement of denial of DSC's petition for review. (See June 7). This left the SCSC decision of Aug. 2, 2017, as the law.

June 12 --- TECSC lay leadership met at Grace Church Cathedral, in Charleston, to hear discuss policies and procedures with the diocesan authorities.

June 14 --- DSC held clergy conference at St. Paul's, Summerville.

June 15 --- TECSC announced the appointment of the Rev. William Coyne as the Missioner for Returning Congregations. He is to facilitate the reintegration of the 29 parishes into the Church diocese pursuant to the SCSC decision of Aug. 2, 2017.

June 17-22 --- GAFCON III met in Jerusalem and issued "Letter to the Churches" demanding a radical reformation of the Anglican Communion. It called for GAFCON boycott of the 2020 Lambeth conference unless the Archbishop of Canterbury excludes the Episcopal Church and certain other branches of the Anglican Communion and replaces them with non-AC GAFCON affiliates. Continued denunciation of human rights for homosexuals.

June 28 --- TECSC announced three gatherings for reconciliation on July 16, 17, 18 in Conway, Charleston, and Bluffton.

July 11 --- TECSC filed "Petititon for an Accounting" with the circuit court asking for the court to appoint an accounting firm to search and list the assets of the Diocese of South Carolina after January 1, 2008.

July 16-18 --- TECSC held three reconciliation "conversations," in Conway, Charleston and Bluffton.

July 26 --- Judge Edgar Dickson held a status conferences with the lawyers on both sides and asked them to submit lists of issues they wish him to consider. 

July 27 --- The breakaway diocese of Fort Worth filed "Petition for Review" with the Texas Supreme Court (see April 5, 2018).

July 31-August 9 --- Bishop Mark Lawrence makes presentations in Sumter, Walterboro, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and James Island.

August 2 --- The two sets of lawyers submitted their lists to Judge Dickson for consideration (see July 26, 2018).

September 4 --- Judge Dickson, of the circuit court, announced a timeline for proceeding in September and October with the goal of a hearing in late October.


September 24 --- TEC/TECSC and DSC filed briefs with Judge Edgar Dickson, of the circuit court, as per request of the judge (see Sept. 4).

TEC/TECSC
1. "Defendants' Memorandum of Law in Support of their Amended Petition for Execution and Further Relief on Declaratory Judgments of the South Carolina Supreme Court and for the Appointment of a Special Master."

2. "Defendants' Memorandum of Law in Support of their Petition for an Accounting."

3. "Memorandum of Law in Support of Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint under the Betterment Act."

DSC:
1. "Memorandum in Support of Motion for Clarification and for Other Relief."

2. "Supplement to Motion for Clarification of Jurisdiction and for Other Relief."

3. "Memorandum in Support of Motion to Establish Complex Case Designation."


October 5 --- TEC/TECSC and DSC filed responses to the September 24 briefs with Judge Edgar Dickson, of the circuit court, as per request of the judge. (see Sept. 24).

DSC:
1. "Plaintiffs' Response in Opposition to Defendants' Memorandum in Support of Petition and Execution."

2. "Plaintiffs' Response in Opposition to Defendants' Memorandum of Law in Support of the Petition for an Accounting."

3. "Response in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss."

TEC/TECSC (Oct. 5, 8):

1. "Defendants' Brief in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Clarification and Further Relief."

2. "Defendants Brief in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Complex Case Designation."


October 12 --- TEC/TECSC and DSC filed replies to the Oct. 5 responses with Judge Edgar Dickson, of the circuit court, as per request of the judge. (see Oct. 5).

DSC: "Plaintiffs' Reply top Defendants' Brief in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Clarification and Further Relief."

TEC/TECSC: "Defendants' Omnibus Reply Brief to Plaintiffs' Opposition Briefs to Defendants' Petititon for Enforcement, Petition for an Accounting, and Motion to Dismiss Betterment Action."

November 16-17 --- Annual meeting of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina, at the Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston.

November 18 --- the Rev. Andrew O'Dell called on the congregation of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Charleston, to break their bonds of affection for their church building and prayed to God to destroy the edifice rather than let it fall into the hands of "false teachers." St. Philip's started in 1680; its present building dates from 1838. 

November 19 --- Judge Edgar Dickson, of the circuit court, held a hearing on DSC's motion for clarification, essentially asking the circuit court to disregard the SCSC decision of Aug. 2, 2017, and rule on the issue of the properties anew. The hearing was in the Orangeburg county courthouse, in Orangeburg, SC. The judge listened to the arguments of the lawyers on the two sides and said he would rule on the motion in time. He set aside the other five motions/petitions for the time being.

December 7 --- Lawyers for TECSC filed "Memorandum of Law in Support of Bishop vonRosenberg, Bishop Adams, and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina's Motion for Summary Judgment," in the U.S. District Court. Lawyers for TEC filed "Plaintiff-in-Intervention the Episcopal Church's Memorandum in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment," in the same court.
--- Lawyers for DSC files 38 motions in the U.S. District Court. Both TEC/TECSC and DSC asked Judge Gergel for summary judgment in their favor. 

   2019

January 8 --- Judge Dickson, of the circuit court, sent an email to the two sets of lawyers asking for the agreements among the SCSC justices and how these agreements support the lawyers' claims.

January 11 --- Lawyers for TECSC filed with Judge Richard Gergel, of the U.S. District Court, Charleston, 1-"Opposition of Plaintiffs and Plaintiff-in-Intervention to the Lawrence Parishes' Motions for Summary Judgment,"   2-"Plaintiffs Bishop vonRosenberg, Bishop Adams, and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina's Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendants' Second Motion for Summary Judgment (DKT. 603)." These were in response to DSC's motions of Dec. 7, 2018.

January 14 --- Judge Dickson, of the circuit court, sent an email to the two sets of lawyers asking for documents on how the local churches voted on the Dennis Canon.

March 19 --- Judge Dickson, of the circuit court, set a hearing on DSC's Betterments suit, on March 27.

March 20 --- Lawyers for TEC/TECSC filed "Petititon for Writ of Mandamus" with the South Carolina Supreme Court asking the court to order Judge Dickson to implement the SCSC decision of Aug. 2, 2017.

March 26 --- Judge Dickson, of the circuit court, cancelled the scheduled hearing of March 27.

April 11 --- DSC filed "Intervenors' Return to Petition for Writ of Mandamus" with the SCSC in response to TEC/TECSC's March 20 petition.

April 17 --- TEC/TECSC lawyers filed "Petitioners' Reply to Intervenors' Return," with the SCSC in response to DSC's "Intervenors' Return..." of April 11.

May 23 --- TECSC Standing Committee resolved to find a new full-time provisional bishop and a new full-time diocesan bishop. Bp Adams is expected to leave his post as part-time provisional bishop by the end of 2019.

June 11 --- TECSC lawyers filed a "Complaint" in the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, against the Church Insurance Company of Vermont claiming the company wrongfully aided breakaway entities in SC. The Complaint seeks damages and asks for a jury trial.

June 14 --- The Church Insurance Company of Vermont filed "Complaint (Declaratory Judgment) (non-Jury)" in the U.S. District Court, in Charleston naming seventeen parishes presently occupied by DSC and TECSC. It asks for a declaratory judgment on the rights and duties of CIC-VT in regards to the defendants (17 parishes and TECSC).

June 28 --- The South Carolina Supreme Court denied TECSC's petition for a Writ of Mandamus (see March 20).

July 2 --- Judge Edgar Dickson, of the circuit court, scheduled a hearing on the Betterments suit, on July 23 at the Calhoun County courthouse, St. Matthews SC (see Nov. 19, 2017).

July 18 --- TECSC filed in the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, the following (see June 14):     "TECSC's Memorandum of Law in Support of and in Opposition to the Following:  (1)TECSC's Motion to Dismiss CIC-VT's Counterclaim and Third-Party Complaint in Case N. 2:19-CV-01672-RMG [July 6, 2019];  (2) TECSC's Motion to Dismiss CIC-VT's Complaint in Case No. 2:19-CV-01713-RMG [July 6, 2019];  (3) CIC-VT's Motion for Joinder in Case No. 2:19-CV-01672-RMG [July 6, 2019];  (4) CIC-VT's Motion for Consolidation in Case No. 2:19-CV-01672-RMG [July 6, 2019];  (5) CIC-VT's Motion for Consolidation in Case No. 2:19-CV-01713-RMG [July 5, 2019]" In this, TECSC asked the court to dismiss all of CIC-VT's various court petitions.

July 23 --- Judge Edgar Dickson held a hearing on DSC's "Betterments" lawsuit, in the Calhoun County courthouse, St. Matthews SC. Dickson implemented the first of the three majority rulings of the SCSC Aug. 2, 2017 decision. After hearing arguments from both sides, he set the Betterments suit aside and asked the two parties to go to mediation of all of the six petitions before him.

August 28 --- Judge Dickson informed the two sets of lawyers that he would deny TECSC's motion for dismissal of DSC's Betterments suit. (see Sept. 9)

September 9 --- Judge Dickson issued "Order Denying Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Second Amended Complaint" denying TEC/TECSC's motion to dismiss DSC's Betterments suit.

September 11 --- TECSC filed "Answer of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina" to DSC's "Amended Complaint" (Betterments suit) of Nov. 20, 2019. (see Nov. 20, 2017)

September 13 --- DSC newsletter announced DSC priest, the Rev. David Barr, to become Associate Rector of St. George's Episcopal Church, in the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, on Oct. 1, 2019.

September 19 --- Judge Richard Gergel, of the U.S. District Court, in Charleston issued three orders in the case of vonRosenberg v. Lawrence. (See Mar. 5, 2013)
(1) Order and Opinion, 73 p. Concerning diocese. Declared the Episcopal Church diocese as the heir of the historic diocese and permanently banned the breakaway group using the names and insignia of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.
(2) Order and Opinion, 18 p. Concerning parishes. Allowed the breakaway parishes to retain their names but banned parish officials from using the names and insignia of the Episcopal Diocese of SC.
(3) Order and Opinion, 27 p. Concerning expert witnesses. Excluded three from breakaway side and one from Church side.

By judges's order, the diocese formerly known as the Episcopal Church in South Carolina is now the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina and the Diocese of South Carolina. The group that formerly called itself the Diocese of South Carolina will have to adopt a new name.
(From here on, the Episcopal Church diocese will be EDSC and breakaway diocese will be referred to as ADSC.)

September 19 --- TEC and its diocese filed "Notice of Motion and Motion for Reconsideration," with circuit court judge Edgar Dickson. This asked Dickson to reconsider his denial (see Sept. 9) and to dismiss the Betterments suit.

September 20 --- Breakaway Standing Committee adopted new name, "Anglican Diocese of South Carolina." Internet website and Facebook pages changed to remove Episcopal Church titles and insignia.

September 26 --- Mediation session conducted by attorney Thomas Wills, in Charleston. After day-long talks between the two sets of lawyers, Wills declared an Impasse. The matter now returns to the circuit court judge, Edgar Dickson, who had ordered the mediation.

October 4 --- Thomas Tisdale, chancellor of EDSC, sent a letter to circuit court Judge Edgar Dickson requesting a hearing on the implementation of the SCSC decision.

October 7 --- ADSC filed "Notice of Appeal" with Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, in Richmond, to appeal Judge Gergel's Order of 19 September. Also filed on Oct. 18, 2019.

October 21 --- Thomas Tisdale, chancellor of EDSC, sent a second letter (see Oct. 4) to Judge Edgar Dickson requesting a hearing on the implementation of the SCSC decision.

October 28 --- Judge Edgar Dickson notified the two sets of lawyers he would hold a hearing on 26 November 2019, 10:00 a.m. in the Orangeburg County Courthouse.

November 11 --- Episcopal Diocese of SC and TEC filed "Petition to Enforce the Injunction" with the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, asking the court to stop the breakaway group from claiming to be the historic diocese (see Dec. 18).

November 18 --- U.S. District Judge Gergel issued "Order and Opinion" in the Church Insurance Company case. He dismissed CIC-VT's counterclaim and third party complaint and called for TECSC to file a brief within 10 days explaining its claims against CIC-VT.

November 20 --- ADSC lawyers filed "Defendants' Response to Plaintiffs' Petition to Enforce the Injunction" (see Nov. 11) with Judge Gergel.

November 25 --- EDSC lawyers file "Reply to Response to Petition to Enforce the Injunction" (see Nov. 11, Nov. 20) with Judge Gergel.

November 25 --- ADSC lawyers filed "Motion to Stay Pending Appeal" with Judge Gergel. (see Dec. 6, 18).

November 25 --- Church lawyers Thomas Tisdale and Mary Kostel sent a letter to Judge Dickson summarizing the whole case before the judge.

November 26 --- Judge Dickson held a third hearing, in the Orangeburg courthouse. He said he would ask the state supreme court for clarification of its Aug. 2, 2017 decision and invited the lawyers to contribute to it.

December 6 --- EDSC lawyers filed "Plaintiffs' Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Stay Pending Appeal" with Judge Gergel (see Nov. 25, Dec. 18).

December 18 --- U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel issued "Order and Opinion" denying a stay (see Nov. 25, Dec. 6) and granting some parts and denying other parts of EDSC's Nov. 11 petition for enforcement of the injunction.

December 23 --- ADSC filed "Defendants-Appellants' Motion to Stay Injunction and the Stay Case" with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. This asked the Court to stay Judge Gergel's Injunction (see Sept. 19, Dec. 18) and to stay the case in the appeals court pending the resolution of a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Patent & Trademark Office v. Booking.com. 

December 23 --- ADSC filed "Order Granting Motion for Clarification" with Judge Edgar Dickson, of the circuit court. In Nov. 26 hearing, Dickson asked the two sides to submit proposed orders on ADSC's Motion for Clarification of Jurisdiction. In this proposal, ADSC is asking Dickson to discard the SCSC decision and declare the parishes to be sole owners of the properties.

EDSC also sumbitted its proposed order to Judge Dickson asking him to deny ADSC's motion on clarification.

December 30 --- EDSC and TEC filed "Appellees' Response in Opposition to Appellants' Motion to Stay Injunction and to Stay Case" with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (see Dec. 23). This asked the court to deny ADSC's motions for the two stays.

December 31 --- Bishop Skip Adams ended his tenure as provisional bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina.

2020

January 14 --- The U.S. Court of Appeals denied ADSC's motions for stays (see Dec. 23, 30, 2019).

January 15 --- EDSC announced that the Rt. Rev. Henry Parsley, Jr., would be part-time visiting bishop of the diocese.

January 23 --- EDSC Standing Committee announced it would not choose a provisional bishop but would start the search process to find the next diocesan bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina. The last diocesan bishop was removed on Dec. 5, 2012.

February 14 --- Judge Dickson informed the two sets of lawyers he would hold a hearing on 27 February at the Orangeburg courthouse to discuss EDSC's three outstanding motions on implementation of the SCSC decision of Aug. 2, 2017.

February 21 --- EDSC lawyers filed "Petition for a Writ of Prohibition," with the SCSC asking the court to prohibit Judge Dickson from litigating issues settled in the SCSC decision of August 2, 2017. (See Mar. 31, 2020)

February 27 --- Judge Dickson held his fourth hearing. This one discussed EDSC's motions for the implementation of the SCSC decision of Aug. 2, 2107. He issued no decision.

March 12---ADSC postponed its annual meeting that had been scheduled for Mar. 13-14, until further notice because of the COVID-19 pandemic. EDSC issued a directive against shaking hands at church and reminding churchgoers that drinking from the common cup is optional at communion.

March 16 --- In response to the COVID-19 crisis, EDSC and ADSC announced cancellation of in-person church services at least until the end of March. Several parishes will provide electronic transmission of church services.

March 24 --- EDSC announced churches closed for in-person services until 30 April.

March 31 --- The SCSC denied EDSC lawyers' petition for writ of prohibition. (See Feb. 21, 2020)

April 23 --- EDSC standing committee announced hold on the timeline in the search for new diocesan bishop.

April 24 --- EDSC standing committee announced that, owing to the pandemic, churches would remain closed indefinitely.

April 30 --- Lawyers for ADSC filed "Brief of Appellants" with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit asking the court to reverse Judge Gergel's decision of Sept. 19, 2019. (EDSC responding brief due July 1, 2020.)

May 7 --- ADSC issued guidelines for the re-opening of churches.

May 15 --- EDSC issued guidelines fore the re-opening of churches after June 1.

May 22 --- Texas Supreme Court issues decision in favor of the breakaway diocese in the case of Fort Worth.

June 19 --- Circuit Court Judge Dickson issued an "Order" nullifying the SC Supreme Court decision of Aug. 2, 2017, which recognized Episcopal Church ownership of 28 of the 36 parishes in question, as well as Church diocesan ownership of Camp St. Christopher. Dickson refused the Remittitur from the SCSC, and instead contradicted the SCSC finding that the 28 had acceded to the Dennis Canon. Dickson's decision is certain to be appealed to the SC Court of Appeals.

June 29 --- EDSC lawyers filed "Defendants' Motion for Reconsideration and to Alter or Amend," with Circuit Court Judge Edgar Dickson petitioning the judge to reconsider his June 19 Order.

July 2 --- EDSC filed "Appellees' Brief" with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. The ADSC filed its brief on Apr. 30. ADSC has until July 22 to file a response to EDSC's brief.

July 9 --- Bishop Mark Lawrence, of the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, announces call for a bishop coadjutor.

July 13 --- Judge Dickson issued an "Order" denying EDSC's request for reconsideration (see June 29).

July 13 --- EDSC lawyers filed an appeal ("Notice of Appeal") of Judge Dickson's June 19 Order, overturning the SCSC decision of Aug. 2, 2017, with the circuit court. This was received in the SC Court of Appeals on same day. 

July 13 --- EDSC  lawyers filed "Defendants' Motion to Confirm Stay or, in the Alternative, for Supersedeas" with Judge Dickson of the circuit court. This asked the judge to stay (suspend) his Order of June 19 pending the appeal.

July 15 --- ADSC lawyers filed "Memorandum in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Confirm Stay or, in the Alternative, for Supersedeas" with Judge Dickson of the circuit court. This asked the court to deny EDSC's July 13 motion for a stay.

July 16 --- EDSC lawyers filed "Defendants' Reply Memorandum Regarding Motion to Confirm Stay or, in the Alternative, for Supersedeas" with Judge Dickson of the circuit court. This argued against ADSC's memorandum of July 15 that opposed a stay.  

July 22 --- ADSC lawyers filed "Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Confirm Stay or, the the Alternative, for Supersedeas," with Judge Dickson of the circuit court. (see July 13, 15, 16, 30) 

July 22 --- ADSC lawyers filed "Reply Brief of Appellants," with the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. This was in response to EDSC's brief of July 2.

July 27 --- TEC/TECSC filed "Notice of Appeal" with the South Carolina Supreme Court. This asks the court to accept the appeal of Judge Dickson's Order of 19 June 2020.  

July 30 --- TEC/TECSC filed "Defendants' Reply to Plaintiffs' Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to Defendants' Motion to Confirm Stay or, in the Alternative, for the Supersedeas," with Judge Dickson of the circuit court. (see July 13, 15, 16, 22)

August 8 --- The South Carolina Supreme Court agreed to take the appeal of Judge Dickson's Order (see July 27).

September 10 --- Church lawyers filed "Second Petition to Enforce the Injunction," with U.S. District Court Judge Richard Gergel citing 27 violations of his Sept. 17, 2019 injunction against the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina and asking the judge to enforce his ruling. The First Petition was on December 18, 2019.

September 24 --- ADSC filed "Defendants' Response to Plaintiffs' Second Petition to Enforce the Injunction." (see Sept. 10)

October 1, 2020 --- Church lawyers filed "Plaintiffs' Reply to Defendants' Opposition to Second Petition to Enforce the Injunction," with Judge Richard Gergel (see Sept. 10, Sept. 24).

October 13 --- The U.S. Court of Appeals set a hearing of ADSC's appeal of Judge Gergel's decision, between Dec. 4 and 14, 2020.

October 16 --- ADSC filed "Motion to Stay Case" with the U.S. Court of Appeals asking the court to stay the case until the South Carolina Supreme Court rules on EDSC's appeal of Judge Dickson's order.

October 19 --- TEC and its diocese of Ft. Worth filed "Petition for a Writ of Certiorari" with the U.S. Supreme Court asking the court to accept an appeal of the Texas Supreme Court decision of May 22, 2020. (See Dec. 23)

October 27 --- Judge Gergel, of the U.S. District Court, in Charleston, issued "Order and Opinion" finding ADSC in contempt of court on use of name of the Church diocese (see Sept. 10, Sept. 24, Oct. 1). Second enforcement of Sept. 19, 2019 Injunction.

October 29 --- The U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit, granted ADSC's motion for a stay of its appeal pending a decision of the South Carolina Supreme Court.

November 12 --- EDSC filed "Initial Brief of Appellants" and "Designation of Matter to be Included in the Record on Appeal" with the South Carolina Supreme Court (see July 27, Aug. 8, Feb. 12, 2021).

November 20-21 --- 230th meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, held virtually.

December 23 --- The breakaway diocese of Ft. Worth submitted its brief to U.S. Supreme Court in response to TEC's petititon for cert, of Oct. 19.

2021

February 12 --- ADSC filed "Initial Brief of Respondents" with the South Carolina Supreme Court in reply to EDSC's Nov. 12 brief. (See July 27, 2020)

February 22 --- U.S. Supreme Court announced denial of cert in the case of Ft. Worth. (See Oct. 19, 2020)

March 4 --- EDSC filed "Initial Reply Brief of Appellants" with South Carolina Supreme Court," in reply to ADSC's brief of Feb. 12, 2021.

April 12-14 --- Walkabouts/Conversations of the five nominees for election of EDSC bishop.

April 22 --- ADSC filed "Brief of Respondents" (final brief) with SCSC.

April 26 --- EDSC filed "Reply Brief of Appellants (final brief) with SCSC.

April 26 --- EDSC filed "Record on Appeal" with SCSC. Full record of case, 19 vols., 9,016 pages.

May 1 --- Ruth Woodliff-Stanley elected as XV bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina.

May 3 --- Briefing and Record Complete in appeal to SCSC.

May 7 --- U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit, affirmed District Court ruling that EDSC lacked standing in its action against the church insurance company.

July 2 --- Majority consents of bishops and standing committees for bishop-elect Woodliff-Stanley.

August 2 --- ADSC announced slate of three candidates for election of bishop coadjutor.

August 16 --- Bishop-elect Woodliff-Stanley establishes residence in the DSC.

October 2 --- Ruth Woodliff-Stanley ordained and consecrated XV bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina, in Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston. She is the first diocesan bishop of DSC since Mark Lawrence was removed on December 5, 2012. The service was led by the Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry.

October 16 --- Charles "Chip" Edgar III elected bishop coadjutor of ADSC. Will replace Mark Lawrence as II bishop of ADSC.

November 12-13 --- 231st meeting of the convention of the Diocese of South Carolina. First to be presided over by Bishop Woodliff-Stanley.

December 8 --- SCSC hearing on TEC's appeal of Judge Dickson's Order.

2022

February 3 --- SCSC asked lawyers of both sides to submit the minutes of the diocesan convention of 1987. (This convention adopted a "Dennis Canon" recognizing trusteeship of TEC and the Diocese over local church property.) 

February 7 --- Bert Utsey, lawyer for TEC side, submitted to SCSC the diocesan convention journal of 1987 showing the Diocese of South Carolina's adoption of "Dennis Canon." 

February 8 --- C. Alan Runyan, lead lawyer for ADSC, sent a letter to SCSC objecting to the consideration of the 1987 diocesan journal.

February 9 --- Bert Utsey sent a letter to the SCSC asking for guidance on responding to Runyan's objection.

March 11 --- 10th annual meeting of ADSC, at St. James, Charleston. Bishop Lawrence made his final address. He will be succeeded by "Chip" Edgar.

March 12 --- "Chip" Edgar ordained/consecrated bishop coadjutor of ADSC, in Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul, in Charleston.

April 20 --- SC Supreme Court issued decision in Episcopal Church appeal of Judge Dickson's order: 15 parishes own their properties; 14 parishes owned by Episcopal Church; Camp St. Christopher and all pre-schism diocesan properties owned by Episcopal diocese; titles to be determined by federal court.

April 22 --- Bishop Edgar met with Bishop Woodliff Stanley at the EDSC office in Grace Church, Charleston.

May 5 --- Eight of the 14 parishes to be returned to TEC filed petitions for rehearing with SCSC. No other party involved in the lawsuit requested rehearing. (see June 8)

May 19 --- Bishop Woodliff-Stanley revealed that talks were underway between delegations from the two dioceses for "orderly transition" of property transfers.

May 27 --- Episcopal lawyers filed motion with SCSC for Partial Remittitur. They asked the court to remit orders to the circuit court for the transfer of property of the six parishes that did not file for rehearing. (see May 5)

June 8 --- SCSC posted an undated [June 7?] Order requesting the Episcopal Church side to present counter-arguments to 7 of the 8 petitions for rehearing by 20 June. The court denied Christ Church, of Mt. Pleasant, and kept open consideration of some claims of the other 7. (See May 5)

June 8 --- SCSC granted TEC's motion for a partial remittitur (see May 27). SCSC sent Remittitur Order to the circuit court directing that seven parishes be returned to the Episcopal Church and that fifteen parishes be allowed to own their properties, per the decision of April 20, 2022.

June 10 --- ADSC lawyers filed Amended Complaint with the circuit court requesting betterments payments from the Episcopal side for improvements to diocesan properties and properties of the 14 parishes to be returned to TEC.

June 20 --- Episcopal lawyers filed with SCSC a Return arguing against rehearing. They said the issues involved have already been settled by the court.

June 27 --- ADSC lawyers filed two Replies, with SCSC,  to EDSC's Return of June 20.

July 15 --- Lawyers for St. John's parish, TEC, and the Episcopal Diocese of SC filed "Agreement between the Vestry and Church Wardens of the Episcopal Church of the Parish of St. John's Charleston County and the Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina" with the circuit court. The property of St. John's is to be conveyed to TEC and its diocese.

July 17 --- St. John's parish church, Johns Island, Charleston, returned to Episcopal Church services. This was the first parish to return to the Episcopal diocese. Six more are to be returned while seven others are still to be determined by the SCSC.

July 21 --- The Diocese of SC announced that the Rev. Furman Buchanan, presently rector of St. Perter's, in Greenville SC, will become priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant at the restoration. The present clergy of Christ Church have announced they will hold their last service there on Aug. 28, 2022.

July 28-August 8 --- Bishop Woodliff-Stanley attends Lambeth Conference and endorses pro-homosexual rights statement.

August 17 --- SC Supreme Court issued an Order and an Opinion granting local properties to six of the seven parishes that had asked for rehearing. One parish was recognized as Episcopal Church property. This meant that 8 of the 36 parishes of the original lawsuit were to be returned to the Episcopal Church.

September 1 --- TEC and EDSC lawyers filed "Motion for Relief from Judgment" and "Petition for Rehearing" with the SC Supreme Court concerning two parishes, Old St. Andrew's and Holy Cross (Stateburg). They asked the SCSC to either reverse their Aug. 17 order on these two or reopen the case. The lawyers claimed both parishes had acceded to the Dennis Canon before 2006.

September 1 --- Church of the Good Shepherd, Charleston, filed for rehearing with the SC Supreme Court.

September 12 --- Lawyers for Old St. Andrew's and Holy Cross each filed "Return to Motion for Relief from Judgment" with SCSC. These argued against the TEC Motion of Sept. 1.

September 14 --- SCSC granted time extension to TEC side, to 30 September, for filing of reply to the Sept. 12 returns.

September 18 --- Episcopal clergy held services in restored parish of Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant. This was the third parish returned to the Episcopal diocese of SC (after St. John's, of Johns Island, and St. David's, of Cheraw).

September 18 --- ACNA congregation of Holy Trinity, Charleston, began meeting at Porter-Gaud School. EDSC did not announce plans for reopening of Holy Trinity.

September 21 --- Anglican diocese's Newsletter announced negotiations between two sides for Anglican purchase of St. Matthew's, of Ft. Motte, and the rectory of St. David's, Cheraw.

September 26 --- Episcopal and Anglican bishops announced agreements on some issues in contention between the dioceses. One was for Anglicans to withdraw their appeal of Judge Gergel's ruling. This would end dispute of ownership of the pre-schism diocese in favor of the Episcopal diocese as the only heir of the historic diocese.

September 29 --- Lawyers for TEC and ECSC file "Reply to Returns to Motion for Relief from Judgment" with SCSC.

September 29 --- ADSC announced Jerusalem Fund to raise $1m for the eight congregations leaving Episcopal properties.

October 1 --- Camp St. Christopher returned to Episcopal diocese of SC. It had been occupied by the separatists since 2012.

October 29 --- EDSC announced that it had made an agreement to sell St. Matthew's church, of Ft. Motte, to the present occupants. This was one of the eight parishes that the SCSC recognized as belonging to the Episcopal diocese.

October 30 --- Restoration of TEC at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Hartsville. ACNA congregation starts meeting at 107 N. 8th St., Hartsville.

November 18-19 --- 232nd convention of the Diocese of South Carolina, North Charleston. Admitted Episcopal Church on Edisto as a parish.

November 20 --- ACNA congregation held last service in St. James Episcopal Church, James Island, Charleston SC. Starting on Nov. 27, this congregation will meet at James Island Town Hall, 1122 Dills Bluff Road, James Island. Episcopal services will resume at St. James on Dec. 4.

November 30 --- ADSC announced that the EDSC had agreed to turn over the deeds of three missions (St. Andrew's Mission, Charleston; St. John's Chapel, Charleston; St. Alban's, Blackville) to the local congregations.

December 4 --- Restoration of St. James parish, on James Island, Charleston.

December 20 --- Christ Church Anglican, the separatist contingent from Christ Church parish, of Mt. Pleasant, announced they had received a gift from a parishioner of $3.2m and had bought a parcel of land on Faison Rd. in North Mt. Pleasant. They expect to build a new building on the property. 

2023

March 30 --- Bp. Woodliff-Stanley announced the Diocese of SC had decided to sell the property of Holy Trinity Church, 95 Folly Road, Charleston, one of the eight local churches the SCSC returned to the Episcopal diocese.

May 24 --- SC Supreme Court denied the petitions of September 1, 2022. This returns Good Shepherd to the Episcopal diocese and gives local property to Old St. Andrew's and Holy Cross (Stateburg). The SCSC decision of today ended its role in the church case.

September --- The Anglican congregation of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, West Ashley, Charleston, announced a new meeting place as of Sept. 10, the Northbridge Baptist Church, 1160 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. The SCSC returned Good Shepherd to the Episcopal diocese finally in 2022 and dismissed the appeal in 2023. The disposition of GS completed the settlement of the parish properties in the schism.

September 15 --- ADSC announced it had made a contract to buy 80 acres on Lady's Island, in Beaufort County, for a camp.

2024

 March 9 --- ADSC held annual meeting. Voted down three resolutions to adopt gender neutral language in the diocesan constitution and canons.

June 22 --- Steve Wood, rector of St. Andrew's church, Mt. Pleasant SC, and bishop of the ACNA Diocese of the Carolinas, elected archbishop of the ACNA. Will take office on June 28.