Virginia Secedes!
Two large and influential Episcopal parishes in Virginia voted overwhelmingly yesterday to leave the Episcopal Church and to affiliate with the Anglican archbishop of Nigeria, a conservative leader in a churchwide fight over homosexuality.
Truro and the Falls Church were formed before the US denomination existed. George Washington was a member of the vestry at the Falls Church.
A packed church of nearly 1,000 Truro congregants sat in rapt silence at the end of the 11:15 a.m. service yesterday as Jim Oakes, the senior warden, announced that more than 90 percent of eligible voters resolved to sever ties with the US church and retain control of church property.
Outside after the service, members were somber but resolute about a decision that they say culminated a long period of disenchantment with the Episcopal Church, dating back to the ordination of women in the 1970s. Their alienation grew with Robinson’s election.
“I want to do what’s right in the Lord’s eyes,” said Vicki Robb, 53, an Alexandria public relations executive, who said the church’s leftward drift was becoming intolerable.
A tribute of old to these brave Virginians:
Rebels before
Our fathers of yore,
Rebel’s the righteous name
Washington bore.Rebels before
Our fathers of yore,
Rebel’s the righteous name
Washington bore.Why, then, be ours the same,
The name that he snatch’d from shame,
Making it first in fame,
Foremost in war.
Making it first in fame,
Foremost in war.God save the South,
God save the South,
Her altars and firesides,
God save the South!God save the South,
God save the South,
Her altars and firesides,
God save the South!For thou great war is nigh,
And we will win or die,
Chanting our battle cry,
Freedom or death!
Chanting our battle cry,
Freedom or death!