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Local clergyman closes in on bishop position

The Bakersfield Californian | Monday, Mar 12 2007 2:20 PM

Last Updated: Monday, Mar 12 2007 2:20 PM

The Rev. Mark Lawrence of Bakersfield only needs approval from one more diocese to be elected bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.

As of midday Monday, Lawrence had received 55 consents. Lawrence needs consents from 56 of 111 Episcopal Church diocese standing committees postmarked by today to become bishop of the South Carolina diocese.

The Rev. Haden McCormick, the president of the standing committee at the South Carolina diocese, said the standing committee was “guardedly optimistic” Lawrence would receive the required consents in time.

But McCormick said it may be several days before letters are received from some of the “at least a dozen” diocese who have not been heard from yet.

Lawrence, who continues to pastor at St. Paul’s Episcopal Parish in downtown Bakersfield, has been thrust into the national spotlight since his September election as bishop has inflamed tensions in the already divided Episcopal Church. Lawrence represents the conservative values of the San Joaquin diocese, which has clashed with liberals within the church.

Lawrence has already received approval from the required number of bishops.