The Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, a Seattle-based Episcopal priest who announced she is both Muslim and Christian, will not be able to serve as a priest for a year, according to her bishop. Redding, who until March was director of faith formation at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, has been a priest for 23 years. In June, she announced publicly that, for the last 15 months, she’s also been a Muslim—drawn to that faith after an introduction to Muslim prayers left her profoundly moved.

While her announcement perplexed many, some supported her spiritual journey and her larger efforts to find common ground between Christianity and Islam. Others were critical, saying it isn’t possible to be both Christian and Muslim. Some took issue with her being a leader within the Episcopal Church while also professing another faith. Some also saw Redding’s announcement as another sign that the Episcopal Church was veering too far away from Scripture, doctrine, and tradition.

The Episcopal Church, which is the U.S. branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is already embroiled in deep conflict with the Communion over scriptural interpretation on issues such as homosexuality and the ordination of women. Redding says she understands that “the last thing the church needs to deal with at this time is this type of doctrinal dispute. I wish it could’ve been at a more convenient time. But as far as I know, I am responding to God’s will and God’s timing.”

During her year away from the priesthood, Redding is expected to “reflect on the doctrines of the Christian faith, her vocation as a priest, and what I see as the conflicts inherent in professing both Christianity and Islam,” the Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, wrote in an e-mail to Episcopal Church leaders. Redding was ordained more than 20 years ago by the then-bishop of Rhode Island, and it is that diocese that has disciplinary authority over her.

“I’m deeply saddened, but I’ve always said I would abide by the rulings of my bishop,” said Redding. At the end of the year, the two will revisit the issue. “I understand that one of my options would be to voluntarily leave the priesthood,” Redding said. At this moment, though, she is not willing to do that. “The church is going to have to divorce me if it comes to that,” she said. “I’m not going to go willingly.”

Redding is scheduled to start teaching part time as a visiting assistant professor at Jesuit-run Seattle University this fall. But she will not be able to teach, preach, or work at any Episcopal church or institution during the next year. She believes she has not violated any of her baptismal or ordination vows. And “since entering Islam,” Redding said, “I have been, by my own estimation, a better teacher, a better preacher, and a better Christian.”