PHILADELPHIA -- An Episcopal group opposed to ordaining women or homosexuals could see its leader defrocked the first week of September, according to The Associated Press.
The Rev. David L. Moyer, president of the national Forward in Faith organization, has been on a six-month suspension from his duties as rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rosemont, Pa. He faces permanent suspension for refusing to invite Bishop Charles E. Bennison to visit and preach at Good Shepherd, according to the AP.
Moyer said he and the Forward in Faith group disagree with the bishop on several doctrinal issues. Forward in Faith has nominated Moyer and a rector in another Pennsylvania diocese to be bishops who would serve congregations in various dioceses that oppose liberal trends in the Episcopal Church.
Bennison opposes the idea and said "the oppression of women cannot be minimized," according to the AP.
The issue centers on whether the church must change because popular culture is changing, said John H. Lewis Jr., a Good Shepherd parishioner and attorney. Lewis is representing Moyer in a civil lawsuit alleging that his suspension was a breach of contract.
"It's more a question of whether we're in a Christian church or a social club," Lewis said.
