"It was just a natural thing," said Rabbi Melvin Libman of Congregation Shir Ami. "Neighbors do that for neighbors. That's the way you behave."

The Episcopal Church USA has experienced a division between conservative and liberal members in recent years, most notably in 2003 when an openly gay man was named a bishop. The confirmation sparked an outcry among many conservative members, including Nee, who at the time told the North County Times: "A fornicator has been elected bishop."

For many members, the breaking point came this year with the election of the Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as the first woman ever to lead the church as the presiding bishop. The election of Schori, who officially took over as presiding bishop after an investiture ceremony Saturday in Washington, prompted divisions in the church throughout the nation.

At Holy Cross, Nee said it was congregation members who took the lead to break from the Episcopal Church.

"Some of the people at Holy Cross had finally hit the 'enough' point and did some research about planting a church," Nee said.

The new church plant is a way for the congregation to move forward and put the acrimony of the past behind them, Nee said.

"I think people are really tired of religions going after each other and attacking each other," he said.

But Nee got in some parting shots at the San Diego Diocese and Bishop James Mathes in his farewell letter.

"The theology of (the Episcopal Church), embodied by its new presiding bishop, someone whom Bishop Mathes enthusiastically endorses, is no longer even Christian," Nee wrote.

In response, Canon Howard Smith, spokesman for the diocese, said: "I believe that Katharine Jefferts Schori is a very bright and enthusiastic leader. I think the Episcopal church will continue to be a Christ-centered church whose mission is to spread the gospel of Jesus."

Besides the disagreements with the national church's direction, Nee said his congregation lost faith in Mathes after the diocese sold property intended to be used for a permanent home for Holy Cross.

"At the July vestry meeting, there was unanimous agreement that no one trusts the bishop," he wrote in his letter. "I reported that to the bishop, and his response was, 'I have trust issues with Holy Cross.' "

Nee also wrote that the diocese had failed the congregation, abused its power, lied and sold "its promised land."

Smith said the land sell was just a business decision.

"It was sad for everybody," he said. "The diocese bought 12 acres of land with the intent of building a church for Holy Cross, and the diocese funded the majority of it. The fact is that we could not afford to continue to service the debt on that property and so, in order to make the diocese whole, we had to sell that land."

Smith also said Nee was in Carlsbad with him two weeks ago looking for a new piece of property for the congregation.

"I assumed that he was on board with continuing that ministry in Carlsbad," Smith said.

In North County, churches in Fallbrook and Oceanside affected by the schism have shifted their alliances from the Episcopal Church USA to foreign dioceses within the Global Anglican Community, which includes the Episcopal Church.

San Marcos and Vista also have been affected by the schism, with Episcopal priests in both cities leaving their congregations to start Anglican churches this year.

For information about the new Good Shepherd Anglican Church, go to www.gsachurch.org.

Contact staff writer Gary Warth at (760) 740-5410 or gwarth@nctimes.com. Comment at nctimes.com.

SAN DIEGO: FR. NEE'S FAREWELL LETTER

November 6th, 2006 Feast of St. Leonard, patron saint of all prisoners and captives

Dear Friends,

Peace be with you.

Some very faithful Christians, members of Holy Cross, have gathered to plant a new church and have called me to be their pastor. Sunday, November 12th, I will celebrate my first Masses as the Rector of Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. You are warmly welcome to join me. I want to reassure anyone whom I previously pastored at Holy Cross, that I remain to serve you. The only differences: I now serve under Bishop Frank Lyons, Diocese of Bolivia, and I have a new address-Congregation Shir Ami! (See www.gsachurch.org for directions.)

To my mind, it is a miracle of God's provision that a rabbi and his people should invite us to share their synagogue that we might have a place to worship and teach. They are not just being charitable. They are enthusiastic and excited at the prospect. Rabbi Mel and I are both convinced that God has been shaping our destinies together for such a time as this. We don't want to get ahead of God, but we have considered that in the future our congregations might join forces to get land and build one building for both congregations, for our mutual use, to God's glory, and as a witness to the world of the brotherhood He calls us to live out. God is amazing. My heart is full of expectation.

I hope you understand that continuing at Holy Cross became untenable for me, for several reasons. The theology of TEC, embodied by its new Presiding Bishop, someone whom Bishop Mathes enthusiastically endorses, is no longer even Christian. (Read PB Shori's interview in Time magazine and see for yourself.) That is a significant factor in my decision. But the main reason why I need to leave is the relationship between Bishop Mathes and this congregation. At the July vestry meeting there was unanimous agreement that no one trusts the bishop. I reported that to the bishop and his response was, "I have trust issues with Holy Cross." I had hoped that he would ask, "Why? What have I done? What did I say?" Instead, he shared his resentment over a website that a Holy Cross member put up one day back in June. With respect, I submit that the reasons Holy Cross does not trust the bishop are graver than that.

A mission church is owned in all ways by the bishop and the diocese. Therefore, there is no way for Holy Cross to marginalize the bishop and just go about its business. He and the diocese hold Holy Cross' destiny in their hands. When an entity or a person has that much power over you, when you believe they have abused that power, when you no longer trust them, and when they show no sign of remorse or repentance, then there isn't much of a future to plan with them.

While I believe the diocese has failed this congregation, I believe I have failed to help Holy Cross recover from the trauma of being lied to and having its promised land sold. One family after another has left. One officer after another has resigned-five vestry members out of seven. Antipathies have grown up among people who used to be friendly. Holy Cross in March of 2006 was a marvelous place to be. It isn't anymore. I have felt personally helpless and depressed in the face of it. The sheep have been scattered. That is of significant concern to me.

I have a gift for evangelism. That means, among other things, that through my ministry, people who otherwise might not go to church wind up coming and finding a place to belong. Many of them have to overcome a great many misgivings, even cynicism about "church," just to walk in the door. The behavior of the diocese has scattered these people. They refuse to be treated that way. They have a low tolerance for church malpractice.

On the other hand, some longtime churchgoers seem inoculated against what has gone on. They will continue at Holy Cross regardless of what any bishop does. Whoever the priest or bishop is, whatever theology is being preached, or not preached, if the door is open and a priest is saying Mass, they will come.

So, I hope they will understand, and agree, that they do not need me. I know at least one person upon hearing this will say, "You can say that again!" If you're one of those who have endured coming here over these four years in spite of me, I say, "God bless you." Thank you for putting up with me.

But those other sheep-the ones who have been scattered or will scatter-I need to take care of them. They're not going to stay here, and they're not coming back. I need to go out, try to round them up, and minister to them. That's why I'm going. I need a different bishop and a different address to accomplish that. That's why I have taken the course I have. I am leaving behind job security, my pension, health care for me and my family, a regular paycheck, four weeks paid vacation, and two weeks paid time off for continuing education. I have no "compensation package" waiting for me where I am going. I will trust the Lord.

Typically, when a priest leaves one church and answers the call elsewhere, a collection is taken up for him and his family, a fond farewell party is given, a lunch or dinner is shared. Good times, funny accidents, common losses, and humbling embarrassments are lovingly shared. I know that cannot happen here. I am sorry about that. We have shared a great deal in four years. I am content to keep it in my heart. I hope you will be too.

Thank you for affording me the privilege of serving Christ through you.

In Christ,

Fr. Michael Nee+