Posted on 01/13/2012 5:59:11 AM PST by Cronos
The Episcopal Church should be restored as the owner of several historic churches in Virginia, a judge has ruled, years after the denomination was essentially evicted by local congregations dismayed with Episcopal leadership's liberal theology. ..
At issue is ownership of seven Virginia churches, including two prominent, historic congregations that trace their roots to George Washington: Truro Church in Fairfax and The Falls Church, for which the city of Falls Church is named.
The disputes within the Episcopal Church have raged openly since 2003, when the denomination consecrated an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire. The issues have since broadened to a range of theological issues, including fundamental interpretations of Scripture. ..
The Episcopal Church, with about 2 million members, is a U.S. affiliate of the Anglican Communion, which has 77 million members worldwide. Many of the international branches in the Anglican church, especially those in Africa, take more conservative views and have supported congregations in the U.S. that have broken away from The Episcopal Church. ..
The rector at The Falls Church _ John Yates, who was defrocked by The Episcopal Church but is recognized as a minister by the conservative Anglican congregations _ said in a statement that "the core issue for us is not physical property, but theological and moral truth and the intellectual integrity of faith in the modern world."
(Excerpt) Read more at stltoday.com ...
The true Christians merely lost a pile of bricks, glass and wood. They saved their souls. I’d say they definitely won the better end of the bargain.
What profit it a man to gain the whole world if in the process he loses his soul? They are of the flesh not the spirt. The Spirit giveth life, the flesh profiteth nothing.
Corpus Christi in Rochester NY. I went to their school and sang in the choir on Sundays. I remember always being in awe at the beautiful interior of our little church.
and Bishop Clark retires SOON!
It does show the power of Satan.
It isn’t God these people who wish to have Gay Priests and Same sex marriages worship. It is Satan.
God’s word on Homosexuality cannot be questioned, it is written and has been for two thousand years,.They deny God’s word.
Another example of the practical wisdom of the biblical ecclesiology of the local church, and rejecting the “denominational/universal church” theory.
well, Christ compared the Church to His body, one, integral.
Sucks but as a Catholic I’d be willing to help these good folks with temporary quarters (even if they’re from the “evangelical” wing and have no interest in crossing the Tiber) until they can build themselves a new home.
The example of the Episcopal Church may well be an argument against denominations. It’s certainly not an argument against the universal Church, which ECUSA never ever claimed to be.
They will have the buildings, but will they have congregations?
I doubt the gays care about that....
Thanks, Mr. AB. We have crossed swords in the past but I am one of the parishoners of said church and I appreciate your offer!
I am an member of TFC. We have somewhere north of 5000 members, have birthed 7 or so daughter churches. I believe that those who voted not to leave the Episcopal church and who will now make up the congregation number about 45.
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