Newark Convention Welcomes Back Dissenting Parish
Episcopal News Service. March 1, 1979 [79067]
Newark, N. J. -- A note of harmony was sounded as the 105th convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark was called to order on Feb. 2, 1979. John Martin, senior warden of Grace Church, Westwood, N. J. stated that the parish reaffirmed its belief in the doctrines and discipline of the Episcopal Church, and was returning to convention after having been absent for two years.
Mr. Martin indicated that the church was taking all necessary steps, including payments of assessments, which would restore the church to full membership in the diocese. The statement was greeted with a standing ovation by the delegates and Mr. Martin went to the dais to be warmly embraced by the Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong,, Bishop of Newark, who said that it was a most significant and thrilling way to begin his first convention as Diocesan.
Early in 1977, the parish had begun withholding its assessment and taken other actions in dissent from the Episcopal Church's decision to ordain women to the priesthood and episcopate.
The public reconciliation -- which many at convention said had moved them deeply -- was brought about after personal contact between Mr. Martin and Bishop Spong.
During his address to convention, Bishop Spong laid stress on the ACTS/VIM program (the diocesan response to the church's renewal/capital fund effort) that was before the delegates. He urged them to be decisive. "If you vote for it, do it with a commitment that is so deep that your energies and resources will also be committed. We can live with a ringing 'yes' on ACTS/VIM. We can live with a resounding 'no'. What we cannot live with is an unenthusiastic, apathetic uncommitted 'o.k. "'
In response to Bishop Spong's call for decisive action the convention voted overwhelmingly to embark on the proposed program. By this action, convention indicated that it will meet again in a special session on May 19 to deal with ACTS/VIM. In the meantime, a campaign for special gifts will be inaugurated.