Other parish testimony came from Allie Walker from St. John’s, Florence, questioned by Tom Tisdale, attorney for TECSC, about the use of Episcopal in their name and she explained that the word “Episcopal” meant Bishop (a point made several times during the proceeding).
One of the more light moments came when attorney Mary Kostel asked Pinckney Thompson from Orangeburg if he could explain a legal document to which he replied, “I’m a farmer, Ms. Kostel, not a lawyer.”

The crowd gathering in the congregation is old and young. Some members are alone, some coupled, and lots of families, with kids in tow. And virtually all white. Everyone seems excited to be here. When things actually begin, it is as professional as any Broadway show, with fantastic music by a small band, and everyone is singing. Although there is a brief prayer early on, the service seems oddly devoid of any mention of God, much less Jesus.

In the approach to the fateful meeting of the Church of England’s General Synod, beginning 11 July, all the signs indicate that, unlike the more numerous evangelical opponents to women bishops, ‘catholics’ will now only be offering a token resistance. Their hope appears to be a lasting, honoured place in the bosom of the liberal Establishment.

South Carolina has not legalized same-sex marriage, so the blessings performed constitute a spiritual commitment between the partners. Before a priest performs the blessing ceremony, the vestry or mission committee of his or her church must approve the liturgy.