SC Episcopal bishop plans to address criticism

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina Episcopal bishop is expected to publicly address charges that he has turned his back on the doctrine and teachers of his denomination.

A spokesman for the Diocese of South Carolina says the Most Rev. Mark Lawrence is expected to issue a statement Wednesday on the investigation into his leadership launched by the Episcopal Church USA.

Clergy of the diocese gathered Tuesday for a private meeting with Lawrence to discuss the charges that he has broken with the larger denomination over the ordination of gays and the blessing of same-sex unions.

The national church’s Disciplinary Board for Bishops launched the investigation based on information from churchgoers in the diocese.

The diocese has distanced itself from the national church’s acceptance of gay clerics and same-sex unions.