PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. — In what some observers are calling a test case for other churches dissatisfied with the denomination, the 1,000-member congregation of All Saints Episcopal Church overwhelmingly voted to leave the Episcopal Church.

All Saints, the third largest congregation in the Diocese of South Carolina, is one of the first in the state to leave the church and become part of the Anglican Mission in America, the movement founded in Pawleys Island.

The Sun News reported that of the 507 members who voted Jan. 8, 468 voted to leave the church, 38 said no and one abstained.

"It did not surprise me," said church member Helen Andrews. "I'm pleased. I believe the leaders of this church have done all they can to resolve this."

According to The Post and Courier, the church is not unhappy with the diocese, considered one of the denomination's most theologically conservative, but is riled by the national church's consecration of a practicing homosexual as bishop of New Hampshire.

Russ Campbell, a member of All Saints' vestry, said a majority of parishioners could no longer tolerate the liberal direction of the denomination.

Diocesan leaders have been in court for three years trying to keep All Saints from leaving.

The diocese's position is that every Episcopal congregation holds its property in trust for the diocese and denomination. If a majority of a congregation leaves the denomination, the minority who stays continues to use the church.

A judge ruled that the church's deed, which is older than the denomination, invalidates the denomination's claims to the 50-acre property. The diocese appealed and is awaiting another ruling.

The Rt. Rev. Edward Salmon, bishop of South Carolina, has also criticized the Episcopal Church, but has urged members to stay in the denomination while waiting for intervention from leaders of the Anglican Communion, the worldwide body of which Episcopal Church USA is a member.