The dean and congregation of Holy Trinity Cathedral in the diocese of Recife (Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil) has cut its relationship with the diocese in a move that was predicated many years ago.
According to the local press, the cathedral took the decision based on disagreements with the bishop on issues such as divorce and non-legally married couples in the Church. It is said that with the bishop's permission, theologians within the diocese have worked towards alternative rites to bless divorcees (at the end of a divorce process), and alternative rites to bless couples who are already living together, or do not want to marry according to the civil law due to economical implications.
Among other factors it was said that the congregation was not happy with the liberal attitude of some churches of the Anglican Communion in relation to homosexuality and the perceived position of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Roman Williams.
The Dean, Paulo Garcia, has been working with this congregation for over 33 years and at present he claims to have 3,000 members. The worship style of the congregation is charismatic, something that has been a source of friction with the last two bishops.
The cathedral has developed much of its ministry focusing on the "Married Encounter," a program set up to evangelise couples, and to proclaim family values. The cathedral is considered to be the largest Anglican Church in Latin America.
The Bishop, Robinson Cavalcanti, considered the breach of communion as a "sad moment for our diocesan life." It has been reported that Fr Paulo Garcia and the cathedral will join the Charismatic Episcopal Church (an association of independent charismatics and evangelicals from various religious traditions seeking liturgy and the stability of an episcopal form of government) and that he will become bishop of that church.
The newspapers also reported that the bishops have said that Garcia, in 33 years of ministry, has never been able to incorporate the Anglican pluralistic tradition and taking orders from its superiors.
In a pastoral letter of the House of Bishops, the bishops acknowledged "the regrettable incidents" and stated that "as expression of collegiality, we will continue to intercede and spiritually support the bishops of the Anglican Diocese of Recife with their clergy and people."
Now the diocese is dealing with church property issues.