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- Anglican Realignment 2003-2006
Materials in this section explain the vision and actions of The Falls Church Anglican as it works to develop orthodox Anglicanism in Virginia and America, and defend against litigation brought by the national Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia. They are collected under News Releases and Statements.
Helpful Links: Anglican District of Virginia (ADV); Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA); Anglican Mission in America (AMiA), Church of Nigeria; Anglican Communion
Diocese of Virginia News Release—December 17, 2006
Acknowledging the votes of a “small number of congregations” to depart, asserting claims to the property of those churches
1.5
Letter to the TFCA Congregation from John Yates--December 18, 2006
Reporting on the congregational vote, over 90% to separate from the Episcopal Church and over 94% to keep the church property if we do separate. John describes the ongoing mission of The Falls Church Anglican and assures those who voted to remain in the Episcopal Church that they continue to be important members of the congregation.
2
TFC News Release—December 17, 2006
The Falls Church and Truro Church Vote Overwhelmingly to Sever Ties with The U.S. Episcopal Church and Join the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, CANA
2.5
Letter from TFC's Wardens to Bishop Lee--December 17, 2006
We wish to notify you that the congregation of The Falls Church has voted overwhelmingly to accept the Vestry's recommendation to dissociate from the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church and to affiliate with the Anglican DIstrict of Virginia; thanking him for his graciousness in this process, and assuring him of our continued prayers for him and his ministry.
3
The Falls Church’s congregational ballot question—Dec 10-17 2000
Drafted and passed by the TFC Vestry and voted by the congregation
4
TFC Publication “I Will Welcome You”—December 2006
A 23-page report by the Rector and Wardens explaining TEC’s 2006 General Convention actions, TFC’s consensus after its 40 Days process, and the vestry’s recommendations for departure, drafted by David Gustafson and edited by the vestry
5
TFC/Truro joint letter—December 2, 2006
Response to Bishop Lee’s Dec. 1 letter, appeals for peaceful negotiations under the Protocol for Departing Congregations
6
TFC/Truro News Release—December 2, 2006
Statement From The Falls Church and Truro Church, appealing for continued reliance on the Protocol for Departing Congregations
7
Diocese of Virginia News Release—December 1, 2006
Letter from Bishop Lee, to vestries of churches in 40 Days of Discernment explaining “consequences” of a vote to depart
8
Letter from the Diocese of Virginia Standing Committee—November 17, 2006
Requesting a meeting with churches considering departure from the Diocese
9
Diocese of Virginia News Release—November 17, 2006
Standing Committee declares the Protocol for Departing Congregations “a potentially useful way forward for those congregations in a period of deliberate discernment over their future relationship with the Episcopal Church”
10
TFC/Truro Joint News Release—November 16, 2006
The Falls Church and Truro announce they may sever ties with The Episcopal Church in the U.S., pursuant to the Diocese of Virginia Protocol For Departing Congregations
11
Diocese of Virginia News Release—November 15, 2006
Diocese notes TFC and Truro Vestry votes recommending departure and denies there is an approved “Protocol For Departing Congregations”
13
Congregational Report—November 14, 2006
John Yates’ letter to the congregation announcing and explaining the Vestry’s vote the previous evening to recommend departure from the Episcopal Church and joining CANA
14
TFC Vestry Resolution—November 13, 2006
Recommending departure from The Episcopal Church pursuant to the “Protocol for Departing Congregations” and calling a special meeting of the congregation to vote on that question
15
Congregational Report—November 10, 2006
John Yates’ email alerting the congregation to the historic of events of the following two weeks, including a Parish Meeting November 12, the Vestry’s November 13th vote on its recommendations to the congregation, a visit to TFC by several Anglican Primates on November 14, another Parish Meeting November 20 to receive the Vestry’s recommendations, followed by another Parish Meeting December 3, to be followed by a possible extended Parish Meeting December 10-16 for a vote, and the December 17 announcement of the congregation’s decision, if a vote occurs
16
John Yates’ Vision for what the Anglican Church should be—November 2006
17
Statement by the Vestries of The Falls Church and Truro Church on the conclusion of their 40 Days of Discernment process—October 27, 2006
18
Report by the Special Committee appointed by Bishop Peter Lee—September 28, 2006
Unanimously recommends “A Protocol for Departing Congregations,” establishing guidelines for amicable departure negotiations.
19
“Where Do You Stand? A theological and biblical rationale for leaving the Episcopal Church,” By Dr. Robert Sanders—September 19, 2006
Powerful overview of scripture, church history and theological issues recommended to TFC Vestry by John Yates
20
NPR Interview with John Yates—September 11, 2006
4-minute interview, correspondent Rachel Martin asks about The 40 Days of Discernment, beginning Sept 17; John Yates talks about seeing no alternative place for us to go to and feeling TEC has left us
21
Washington Times Article—September 1, 2006
Negotiations over CANA and initial coverage of The 40 Days of Discernment
22
Bishop Lee’s Statement for The 40 Days of Discernment—September 1, 2006
3-minute video by Bishop Lee appealing for unity in the Diocese
23
TFC’s Initial Fact Sheet for “40 Days of Discernment”—August 25, 2006
2-page explanation of the 40DD program for Virginia Coalition Churches
23.1
Proposed Covenant Declaration of the Common Cause Partners - August 18, 2006
Passed by the CANA Convocation Dec. 6-9, 2007
24
Comments on TEC’s General Convention ‘06 by the Archbishop of Canterbury; ACN; CAPA; AMiA—June/July 2006
25
New York Times article--July 2, 2006
“Episcopalians Shaken by Division in Church”
26
Congregational Report—June 29, 2006
John Yates’ email to TFC denying false report in that day’s Washington Times that TFC had notified Bishop Lee it was departing from the Episcopal Church.
27
Washington Times Article on election of CANA Missionary Bishop—June 29, 2006
Somewhat misleading account of Martyn Minn’s elevation
28
Statement by Archbishop Peter Akinola on GC ’06—June 22, 2006
Expresses disappointment at TEC’s failure to comply with requirements of The Windsor report. Looks forward to September Primates meeting
29
“Can Two Walk Together, Except They Be Agreed?”—June 2006
A 29-page report from the TFC Rector and Vestry, drafted by David Gustafson and edited by the vestry. TFC’s unique analysis of both the scriptural and legal issues facing the parish and the wider church
30
Congregational Report—June 22, 2006
John Yates’ letter announcing mailing of TFC’s “Can Two Walk Together” pamphlet. Expresses disappointment with General Convention 2006, attaches Bishop Lee’s summary of GC’06: “The Center Has Held,” key resolutions, and reaction statement of the Archbishop of Canterbury
31
TFC Vestry Analysis of General Convention 2006—July 9, 2006
Authored by David Gustafson
32
Letter from Bishop Peter Lee—June 7, 2006
Responds to TFC’s June 5 letter about the 2006 General Convention and requests prayers for his work there
33
Vestry Letter—June 5, 2006
TFC’s third letter to Bishop Lee, just prior to General Convention 2006, appealing to him to reconsider and withdraw his endorsement of consecration of a bishop living in a lifestyle condemned by Scripture
34
TFC Congregational Survey and Results—May 28, 2006
Electronic survey at Sunday worship services. Provided feedback on parish communications and reactions to a possible Saturday service. Documented overwhelming support for leaving the Episcopal Church, if recommended by the Vestry.
35
Titusonenine article: Jack Estes: Time’s Up. Point of Decision for the Episcopal Church—April 27, 2006
36
TFC Current article—April 2006
John Yates’ “The Episcopal Church 2006—Can’t We All Just Get Along?” Analysis and reflection on five key issues that divide Episcopalians
37
TFC Vestry Study—April 8, 2006
“Church litigation in the light of 1 Corinthians 6:1-8” by David Gustafson
Detailed examination of the Scriptural teachings regarding Christian dispute resolution (7 page PDF), the foundation of the Vestry’s position in subsequent debates
38
TFC Anglican Realignment Class Presentation—March 25, 2006
“Race And Civil Rights: A False Analogy In The Debate Over Homosexuality,” by Ken Hagerty
39
Episcopal News Service—March 9, 2006
The Episcopal Church gears up for looming property disputes
40
Washington Post Story—January 28, 2006
Published on the second day of the Diocesan Annual Council meeting in Richmond, reviews the October 4, 2005 TFC Vestry letter, the Bishop’s response, the departure of South Riding Church from the Episcopal Church, and the prospects for a serious division in the Diocese
41
Early Anglican Blog Responses to TFC Vestry’s Letter to Bishop Lee—January 26, 2006
42
John Yates’ Washington Times letter to the editor—January 24, 2006
Reemphasizing the Vestry’s appreciation for the humility and forbearance shown by Bishop Lee
43
Washington Times article on the TFC Vestry letter to Bishop Lee—January 23, 2006
44
Congregational Report—January 22, 2006
John Yates’ report on recent developments, including the Vestry’s November 21, 2005 dinner with Bishop Lee, and releasing the Vestry’s October 4, 2005 letter to the Bishop.
45
Christianity Today article—January 2006
Overview of the conflict between ECUSA and the Anglican Communion, quoting TFC alumnus Bill Haley
46
Resolution for the Annual Diocesan Council meeting—December 5, 2005
Senior Wardens of 17 Churches submit a resolution for the January 2006 Council Meeting of the Diocese of Virginia: “Affirming the Commitment of the Diocese of Virginia to Remain in the Anglican Communion”
47
TFC Vestry meeting with Bishop Lee—November 21, 2005
Dinner at the home of Senior Warden Sam Thomsen, in Falls Church
48
Informal Coalition of Churches Press Release—November 15, 2005
“Biblically Committed Churches in Diocese of Virginia” comment on departure of South Riding Church from the Diocese
49
News Release from AAC-VA—November 9, 2005
The “Informal Coalition of Biblically Committed Congregations” in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia applaud Bishop Lee’s decision to negotiate a way forward
50
Announcement from Virginia Episcopalian—November 2005
Bishop Lee’s announcement that he has authorized a special committee to work with “churches continuing in conflict over the decisions of General Convention 2003 to get on with their mission in as close a union as possible with the Diocese.”
51
Bishop Lee’s response to the TFC Vestry’s letter—October__ 2005
Acknowledging the letter and agreeing to a meeting with the Vestry
52
TFC Vestry’ Second Letter to Bishop Lee—October 4, 2005
(Released January 22, 2006) Appealing to him to reconsider the positions he took at the 2003 General Convention, reviewing the Anglican Communion’s negative reactions to those actions, summarizing the duty of a bishop, the timelessness of Scripture, and requesting a meeting with him to discuss these issues
53
Letter from John Yates to Bishop Peter Lee—September 27, 2005
Follow-up and summary of a meeting between Bishop Lee and clergy from 18 parishes and missions in the Diocese of Virginia, September 20, 2005. Appeals for a negotiated way forward as an example for the rest of the church.