|
RELEASE: 2008.04.04 CANA Churches Prevail in Court |
» Click here for the full 88-page (4.4MB PDF) opinion by the Hon. Randy Bellows.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2008
CONTACT: Kelly Oliver (ext. 140) or Megan Franko (ext. 148) at (703) 683-5004
Virginia Anglican Churches Prevail in Court
Historic Ruling Halts Episcopal Attempt to Seize Control of Church Property
FAIRFAX,
Va. – The 11 churches sued by The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of
Virginia responded to today’s Fairfax County Circuit Court ruling that
the Virginia Division Statute (Virginia Code § 57-9) applies to support
their efforts to keep their property. The 11 churches named in the
lawsuit are members of the Anglican District of Virginia (ADV).
“We
are pleased with this initial victory today. We have maintained all
along that The Episcopal Church and Diocese of Virginia had no legal
right to our property because the Virginia Division Statute says that
the majority of the church is entitled to its property when there is a
division within the denomination. Our churches' own trustees hold
title for the benefit of the congregations,” said Jim Oakes,
vice-chairman of ADV.
“We urge our friends in the Diocese of
Virginia and The Episcopal Church to respect the court’s ruling and
join with us to begin a process of healing. These are also the wishes
of the worldwide Anglican Communion, as prolonging this process –
pitting Christian against Christian in court – does nothing to save one
soul, strengthen one family, or help one person in need. Let us choose
healing over litigation and peaceful co-existence over lawsuits, and
let us devote all our resources to serving Christ and helping others
around the world.”
Oakes continued, “We emphasize that we do not
harbor any ill will towards anyone. In particular, we know there are
many faithful Christians still in The Episcopal Church. We continue to
pray for them and will continue to work together in as many ways as
possible and cooperating in ministry projects like the Lamb Center.”
Rev.
Jeff Cerar, Rector of St. Stephen’s in Heathsville, Va., one of the
churches being sued, said, “The legal proceedings have been an
unfortunate distraction to our churches, but we have not allowed this
to interfere with our ministry of sharing the love of Christ and the
life-transforming power of the Gospel.”
The Episcopal Church and
the Diocese abruptly broke off settlement negotiations in January 2007
and filed lawsuits against the Virginia churches, their ministers and
their vestries. The decision of The Episcopal Church and the Diocese
to redefine and reinterpret Scripture caused the 11 Anglican churches
to sever their ties.
* * *
The Anglican District of Virginia (www.anglicandistrictofvirginia.org
) is an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia. Its members
are in full communion with constituent members of the Anglican
Communion through its affiliation with the Convocation of Anglicans in
North America (CANA), a missionary branch of the Church of Nigeria and
other Anglican Archbishops. ADV members are a part of the worldwide
Anglican Communion, a community of 77 million people. ADV is dedicated
to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples while
actively serving in three main capacities: International Ministries,
Evangelism, and Strengthening Families and Community. ADV is currently
comprised of 21 member congregations.
To schedule an interview
with an ADV representative, please contact Kelly Oliver (ext. 140) or
Megan Franko (ext. 148) at (703) 683-5004.
|
News 
