The decision by Anglican Primates this week to temporarily suspend The Episcopal Church from some aspects of the Anglican Communion’s ministry has raised questions about how this affects our parish. I encourage everyone to learn more and to see the responses from our diocese and our Presiding Bishop. This decision by international leaders does not have authority to change our national, diocesan, or parish policies and practices. St. George’s remains an open and welcoming house of prayer for all persons. The Episcopal Church will eventually decide how, as a larger body, to respond. In the meantime, please help spread the word that the headlines in the news do not signal a change at St. George’s. We will continue to live into the proposed changes that provide for marriage equality (which occasioned the suspension) and discuss the faithful reasons for these changes. We will also continue to pray with our partners in ministry around the world about how, in God’s name, we live together in holy communion. I know the announcement has evoked mixed responses among our members who have a variety of views on the issue of marriage and inclusiveness. For some, this announcement evokes genuine pain and frustration, and we need to be gentle with each other. I invite us to continue in compassionate dialogue, bearing witness to the love of God in Christ.
Diocese of Virginia: Understanding the Outcome of the Primates Meeting
Presiding Bishop statement: “We are part of the Jesus Movement, and the cause of God’s love in this world can never stop and will never be defeated.”
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