A conservative Anglican congregation announced this week that it is leaving the Episcopal Church USA and transferring oversight to a bishop in Uganda.
Leaders of the South Riding Church in Fairfax, Va., USA have voted to leave the EC(USA) and the denomination’s Virginia diocese yesterday over issues of Biblical authority and scriptural understanding.They told their bishop earlier today that the church plans to join the Diocese of Rwenzori in an effort to remain connected with the worldwide Anglican Communion.
“Our church upholds the authority of Scripture, and the leadership of South Riding Church can no longer compromise our faith by remaining under the spiritual and jurisdictional authority of the Episcopal Church and this diocese,” said the Rev. Phil Ashey, pastor of South Riding, in a press release.
The congregation, which holds services at a local elementary school campus, follows a spate of conservative Episcopal parishes that have disaffiliated from the ECUSA since the denomination ordained an openly gay bishop in 2003.
According to John Yates, rector of the Falls Church in Falls Church, Va., the withdrawal of the South Riding group is only one example of “how strongly many Episcopalians feel about the theological issues confronting ...the broader Episcopal Church today.”
Members of South Riding agreed that unless common theological understanding is reached, the mission of the church cannot continue.
“We cannot continue with our mission and ministry ignoring the fact that the Episcopal Church is in spiritual disarray, has embraced a false gospel, and has abandoned mainstream, Biblical Anglicanism,” said Paul Branch, lay leader at South Riding Church.. “We are devoted to Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and we have a deep desire to remain part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.”
Father Ashey further explained that the decision was difficult but the conclusion had to be drawn “in order to be faithful.”
The South Riding Church is not an official church, but is rather recognised as an “unorganised church.” The congregation does not own property or a building and has pledged to turn over assets purchased with diocesan funds during the time it has been part of the ECUSA.
Pauline J. Chang
Christian Today Correspondent
