Diocese dissolves
church that protested gay bishop

Rochester, N.Y.'s Episcopal diocese has agreed to dissolve All Saints Episcopal Church in Irondequoit and transfer its property and other assets to diocese trustees. A majority of more than 200 delegates at a Rochester diocesan convention cast a voice vote Saturday to end their relationship with All Saints. "It is so ordered," Bishop Jack McKelvey said. The church had refused to pay more than $16,000 it owed the diocese because it believes the diocese and the Episcopal Church of the USA shouldn't have supported the 2003 ordination of gay bishop V. Gene Robinson in New Hampshire or given individual dioceses the right to decide whether to bless same-sex unions. The pastor at All Saints, the Reverend David Harnish, remains a priest in good standing with the diocese but has chosen to remain with All Saints. The church planned to hold a 10 a.m. service Sunday. It was unclear how quickly the diocese will move to transfer the property. Delegates agreed to establish a committee to look at starting "a mission congregation in Irondequoit or other appropriate community of the diocese." In the meantime, All Saints plans to keep operating. (AP)