Leaders of Christ Church in Savannah, Ga., have voted to split from The Episcopal Church over its departure from orthodox Christianity, church officials reported.
"We have witnessed how The Episcopal Church has separated from the historic Christian faith over the last few decades," said the Rev. Marc Robertson, rector of Christ Church, according to The Associated Press.
Established in 1733 by Georgia's founder, Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, and known as the "Mother Church of Georgia," Christ Church is one of the state's oldest churches and has been discontent with the national denomination, particularly since the consecration of an openly gay bishop in 2003. The church’s vote for departure on Tuesday was unanimous and church leaders decided to place themselves under the authority of the worldwide Anglican Communion’s provincial body in Uganda.
The split could prompt a legal battle between the church and the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia as both claim the church property is theirs.
"Christ Church is and will remain a parish of The Episcopal Church in this diocese and will continue to occupy its present facilities," asserted Bishop Henry I. Louttit of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.
Robertson, meanwhile, said, “we’re confident of our ownership of that property.”
Christ Church leaders said they were prepared to go to court over ownership rights to the nearly $3 million church property but hope litigation can be avoided.
Conservative congregations disaffiliating with The Episcopal Church – the U.S. branch of Anglicanism – constitute less than 1 percent of the entire denomination, but the exodus is continuing and entire dioceses have threatened to split.
On Monday, the Standing Committee – the bishop's council of advice – of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth announced that it will ask its upcoming diocesan convention to take the first step needed to dissociate itself from The Episcopal Church. The convention meets Nov. 16-17.
The Very Rev. Ryan S. Reed, president of the Standing Committee, said it's time to separate and join an orthodox province under the Anglican Communion. The diocese has been at odds with The Episcopal Church for 25 years, according to Reed, as it struggled to remain faithful Anglicans within the national denomination.
Conservatives were disappointed last week when The Episcopal Church indicated they will not retreat from their liberal-leaning interpretation of Scripture and acceptance of homosexuality.
The Episcopal Church had responded to a Sept. 30 deadline set by Anglican leaders to pledge not to consecrate any more openly gay bishops or bless same-sex unions. Episcopal bishops released a statement Sept. 25 declaring that they would "exercise restraint" by not consenting to consecrating openly gay bishops and not authorizing public rites of the blessing of same-sex unions.
Comments
God has cursed that backslidden denomination “demon-nation” for their rebellion against God's word because they have condoned that which God Himself has called an abomination and utterly detestable. Their influence has withered like a dry twig. Their house is left desolate and laid waste for the creeping things of earth to devour. They shall be no more forever.............unless they repent, change their thinking about rebellion against God and come back to Jesus as their Lord and receive His mercy.
Jesus Himself said, "You (His followers) are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it (this world) be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
Why would anyone go to a church that is just like the world and is more interested in being an imitator of this world than being an imitator of God? The God's Word says that without holiness no man can know God. So why would anyone want go to a church that rejects and avoids God's Holy Presence and His word. The Episcopal Church has become the despicable church for condoning divorce, homosexuality, and secular humanism. By their outright rebellion against God, the Episcopal Church organization has revealed to the world that they are the "imposters of Christ” and are not His disciples.
God is calling all those to claim to represent Him, to be in a covenant relationship with Him. Obedience is always better than sacrifice. (1Samuel 15:22)
The Gospel of the Kingdom === >>
http://evolutionfacts.blogspot.com/#the_message_that_we_were_born_to_hear
The EC has confused ministry to those whose lifestyles conflict with biblical teaching and spiritual leadership, reasoning that true acceptance means we do not stand in the way of their becoming leaders. But the Scriptures are very clear regarding the qualifications for leadership in the church, and it has nothing to do with whether we are accepting people or not.
Yep, They're leaving and their heading back home.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Another Episcopal bishop decides to convert
For the third time this year, an Episcopal bishop is leaving his flock to join the Catholic Church.
http://deacbench.blogspot.com/2007/09/another-episcopal-bishop-decides-to.html
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Psalm 11:3
It's a shame that Christ Church has to do this, but it's the only thing any true Christians can do.