Posted on 01/16/2007 5:35:08 PM PST by sionnsar
Epiphany in Herndon and Our Savior Oatlands both voted yesterday to disaffiliate from TEC/ECUSA and the Diocese of Virginia and to affiliate with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA). Both also voted to retain their property.
The Epiphany votes were 78% and 89%.
The Our Savior votes were 97% and 97%.
Epiphany indeed
This means that a good chunk of the ECUSA-friendly still think this ECUSA property grab is bogus.
That epiphany vote was kind of low for a move like this. I feel sorry for the almost quarter of the congregation that don't want to leave the ECUSA and now are being kicked out of their church.
Why? If the parish is going to keep its property, these folks can just stay where they are. The traditionalists won't be introducing anything objectionable or different; certainly not like the stuff they were expected to accept as part of "TEC". I mean, really, how much effect does the diocese they belong to have on the everyday lives of parishoners?
The two churches have a combined membership of about 400, according to the Washington Times. ( http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20061216-120035-5306r.htm )
Both parishes are rapidly growing, and, unlike most Episcopalian parishes, their membership probably UNDERCOUNTS their attendance.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.