Virginia Episcopal Parish Breaks Away From Unrepentant ECUSA
by Jim Brown
February 14, 2006
(AgapePress) - - A conservative parish in Virginia has severed ties with the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) over its tolerance of unbiblical teaching on homosexuality and other issues.
Church of the Holy Spirit in Ashburn, Virginia, recently voted unanimously to leave the ECUSA and the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. The congregation will now be under the oversight of the Anglican Church of Uganda.
Rector Clancy Nixon says the parish's decision was sparked by more than just the denomination's ordination of an openly homosexual bishop and approval of same-sex ceremonies, although those actions by the U.S. denomination have played a part. Still, he notes, "The ECUSA has refused to repent. Indeed, they've continued on this path."
For instance, Nixon says, "Just this last week, I understand that ECUSA is now funding a lobbying arm for the abortion industry." Also, he adds, the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia have undermined core teachings on who Jesus really is, the authority of the Bible, and discipline in the church.
"It's a number of things that concern us, really," the conservative minister points out. Overall, he says, the Church of the Holy Spirit congregation is delighted with the move and for most there is "certainly a sense of relief and celebration," now that the decision has been made.
"But for some there's also some grieving that they have to do," Nixon adds, "because there are longstanding relationships and good memories involved with a lot of it. It's a kind of a mixed bag. So it's a tearing -- and every time there's a tearing, there's some grieving that needs to go on."
Church of the Holy Spirit was founded as a mission church of Truro Church of Fairfax, which is led by conservative Rector Martyn Minns.
Jim Brown, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
