Connecticut has a number of Episcopal churches which are more conservative in their outlook and have been left, if not holding the bag, “holding the Bible,” so to speak.  Notable among them has been Bishop Seabury Church in Groton, whose minister views the impending schism and changes in the Episcopal Church as a plus:

”It’s very positive, bringing together all these groups,” said the church’s priest, the Rev. Ronald Gauss.

Bishop Seabury parishioners earlier this year voted themselves out of the U.S. Episcopal Church, which is part of the 77 million-member Anglican Communion, a global fellowship of churches that trace their roots to the Church of England.

Bishop Seabury instead chose to affiliate with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, which is based on more conservative beliefs, including opposition to the ordination of an openly gay bishop.

But now, for the first time, there could be a second conservative province in America – the Anglican Church in North America….

The Episcopal Church may see churches like Bishop Seabury as defectors, but the way Gauss sees it, the church left him with what he considers liberal theology.

Referring to the day he was ordained, Gauss said, “I haven’t changed since 36 years ago.”

Read the rest in today’s New London Day.