Episcopalians return to Petaluma church

Bells rang and heavy oak doors were opened wide Wednesday as an exiled Petaluma Episcopal congregation made an emotional return to the church it lost 2½ years ago in a dispute with a breakaway group that objected to gay ordination.

More than 100 people crowded into St. John's Episcopal Church to hear their first service there since a majority of members had split from the diocese in late 2006, retaining the property and aligning with an international Anglican church.

On Wednesday, parishioners reclaimed the 118-year-old building and all assets under the terms of a settlement this summer prompted by a recent state Supreme Court ruling. For some, it was a triumphant and tearful homecoming.

"I can't stop weeping," said Geri Olson as she stepped outside after the service. "It's such a beautiful feeling to have a home."

The 200-member St. John's Anglican congregation held its final services in the building on Sunday and turned over keys to the building and church offices Wednesday.

Their administrator, Mike McIntosh, said the congregation would meet at the Petaluma Community Center on North McDowell Boulevard until a permanent location is found.

"We realize that from our perspective, the Lord has a plan for us, and he's calling us to another place," McIntosh said. "This is our calling, and we accept it. It's not about anything else besides moving on."

The turnover was likely the first of its kind in California involving dozens of more conservative congregations that broke from the denomination over same-sex blessings, the ordination of a gay bishop and the authority of Scripture.

The Rev. David Miller, leader of St. John's Anglican congregation who has said homosexuality is a sin, did not return calls Tuesday or Wednesday seeking comment.

The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, but a deep schism has developed between it and the more conservative international Anglican churches.

In January, the state high court ruled three Southern California congregations that held onto Episcopal assets must return them because they belong to the church, not the membership.

Although the decision has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, Anglican leaders in Petaluma decided to settle rather than engage in a costly legal battle, said their lawyer, the Rev. Lu T. Nguyen.

"My clients felt as though it just wasn't worth the long-term fight," Nguyen said. "This is a church. It's purpose is not material gain but spiritual matters."

Petaluma Episcopalians appeared happy Wednesday to have a place of their own.

After a majority of the congregation voted to split from the Episcopal Church in December 2006, the remaining Episcopal members re-formed under the Rev. Norman Cram, and held services first in a parishioner's living room and later at Elim Lutheran Church.

The congregation now has about 50 members.

"It's a joyous occasion," said Mack Olson, an openly gay man who joined about two years ago. "I want to be part of a community that allows differences in thought and beliefs."

Eva Cooper, who stayed with the Anglican group to advocate leadership roles for women, said she was relieved the rift was over. "It's extremely uncomfortable to be standing up for yourself in an otherwise homogeneous group," she said.

In a humor-laced sermon Wednesday, Cram, a retired Navy chaplain and former St. John's pastor, thanked the congregation and vowed to strive for inclusiveness.

Among his first acts upon receiving keys to the church was to throw open the doors and stained-glass windows and plant a welcome sign on the front lawn.

Cram, 72, said he would leave the post in about two months when the diocese and parishioners choose a permanent rector.

"I have so much to say today. I feel like a mosquito in a nudist colony," he said to peels of laughter. "I just don't know where to start."

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 762-7297 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com.