Episcopal Church leaders vote on sanctions for Fresno bishop

 

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Leaders of the Episcopal Church have voted to oust the bishop from the Diocese of San Joaquin for breaking from the U.S. denomination in a fight over the Bible and homosexuality.

National church leaders on Wednesday removed Bishop John-David Schofield from his role as bishop and barred him from performing any religious duties.

Last December, the diocese became the first full Episcopal diocese to secede from the national church.

The vote Wednesday is part of an effort by the denomination to regain control of the San Joaquin diocese and hold onto church property despite the split.