St. Mark’s is the cathedral of the Diocese of Olympia, and also a parish church, the seventh-largest congregation in the United States.

In letters to the congregation, members of the St. Mark’s vestry praised Taylor’s many accomplishments and his reputation as a caring pastor during his tenure while acknowledging that conflicts about his management style had surfaced in recent months.

In his letter of farewell to the congregation,  Taylor outlined the work done under his leadership, but added, "Despite our many accomplishments together, my vision for our future has diverged from that of the Vestry in significant ways, and that has resulted in a loss of trust between us."

Taylor wrote that he departs feeling "satisfaction and thankfulness" at how the cathedral’s ministry has grown during his tenure.

According to an article in the Seattle Post Intelligencer,  just before Easter of 2007, Taylor had laid off two women priests and a lay program director, saying that the church needed to cut its operating expenses. Some parishioners were upset by the dismissals, especially after learning that Taylor had recently received a large salary increase.

Responding to this controversy, the vestry retained the Rt. Rev. Herbert A. Donovan, Jr., a retired bishop from New York, to prepare a report on the ministry of St. Mark’s, including the relationship between the congregation and the Dean. Donovan recommended a six-month leave for Taylor, during which he would be required to undergo counseling. Disagreeing with Donovan’s conclusion, Taylor tendered his resignation.

Bishop Greg Rickel of the Diocese of Olympia wrote to the congregation, "This has been a long process, longer than anyone had hoped for. Some in the community have suggested that secrecy or conspiratorial maneuvering was at play, but there was much that could not be shared, for legitimate reasons, and often at the request of various parties."

Taylor and his life partner have said that they plan to remain in the Seattle area for the present. "Seattle is home to Jerry and me," Taylor said. "We love this city and have many friends here."

Documents relating to Taylor’s resignation have been posted on the website of St. Mark’s Cathedral.