The Virginia diocese has been roiled since Bishop Peter James Lee, who lives in Richmond, angered traditionalists by voting for the 2003 consecration of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson.

These emotions were evident in a recent letter from the vestry of The Falls Church, a conservative parish, to Lee, warning that he risked being harshly judged by God for his stand.

And in a sign that the dispute could deeply alter how the diocese relates to its 190-plus parishes, a Lee-appointed committee representing both the diocese and the conservative faction has been discussing alternative financial and pastoral arrangements for dissatisfied parishes.

Church members on both sides say they hope no schism will occur. But in recent interviews, several voiced pessimism about the uncertainty facing the 90,000-member Episcopal diocese, the largest in the nation.

"I don't know what the numbers are, but I think that there is a significant chance that if the general convention [in June] doesn't go their way, [some conservative parishes] will feel compelled to leave" the diocese, said Russell Randle, a member of Alexandria's Christ Church. He opposed Robinson's consecration but rejects leaving the diocese.

The Rev. Martyn Minns, rector of Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax City, a leading conservative church, said that "unless the diocese of Virginia moves in a different direction, it's hard to see how [conservative] congregations can survive in that setting."

He added that the June convention "would be a key dividing point."

The rector of The Falls Church, the Rev. John Yates, said he believed that American Episcopalians and their Anglican brethren -- who widely reject Robinson's consecration -- have already separated "in spirit."

Noting that one conservative parish has left the diocese, diocesan spokesman Patrick Getlein called the possibility that others might follow "very serious."

In November, the 90-member South Riding Church in Loudoun County formally severed its ties with the diocese and joined the Anglican Church of Uganda. Lee responded by removing its rector, the Rev. Phil Ashley.

In Richmond, delegates yesterday debated a resolution proposed by traditionalists stating that if the U.S. denomination separates from the Anglican Communion, the Virginia Diocese "will do all that is necessary" to remain with the Communion.

The six-person committee named by Lee was charged with seeking ways to allow parishes that dissent from his action on Robinson "to get on with their mission in as close a union as possible with the Diocese," according to a statement. The committee has met four times but reached no final agreements, according to chairman Russell V. Palmore Jr.

"We have so far engaged in pretty honest and forthright discussions regarding such issues as ownership and division of property, restricted giving to the diocese and requests by some congregations to have alternative episcopal oversight," he added.

Under church law, parish financial assets belong to a diocese, and a congregation would forfeit those if it left the diocese.

The bitter feelings engendered by the controversy were on display in an eight-page letter sent to Lee in October by the vestry of The Falls Church. Released Sunday by Yates, the letter praised Lee for his humility and patience but attacked his theological stand in supporting Robinson's elevation to bishop, adding: "No compromise on this issue is possible."

Recalling that Jesus demanded repentance from those who "taught false doctrine about sexual immorality" and warned anyone who led children astray that "it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and . . . be drowned," the letter writers said they "grieve at the possibility of such a judgment" being passed on Lee by God.

Lee wrote back that it "appears that you are accusing me of false teaching, lying, and prevarication and you find me guilty." He added that he has "consistently taught that the 'normative context for sexual intimacy is life-long, heterosexual, monogamous marriage.' "

Later, Lee met with members of the church in what Yates described as "a somewhat strained family talk about difficult family issues." But, he added, "it was one of the best meetings we've ever had with him."

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/27/AR2006012701519_pf.html