Fairfax congregation could leave U.S. Episcopal Church
Truro to have 40-day period of discernment to decide the issue
BY SHAUN BISHOP
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Aug 20, 2006

FAIRFAX -- In the past few months, the members of Truro Church have found themselves drawn into the spotlight on the debate over a gay bishop that has divided the Episcopal Church.

Today their rector, the Rev. Martyn Minns, will become missionary bishop of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, established by the Anglican Church of Nigeria as a home for U.S. Episcopalians disenchanted with their church's decision to consecrate an openly gay bishop.

Truro will also undergo a 40-day period of discernment beginning in September, during which the church leadership will seek input from the congregation on whether they want to split from the 2.3 million-member U.S. Episcopal Church, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Between 20 and 25 churches in Northern Virginia plan to go through a similar discernment process, and others are looking to Truro for leadership, said Warren Thrasher, special assistant to the rector. Conservative Episcopalians say they have been disappointed with the church's direction on issues of Scripture and sexuality. The consecration of the openly gay Gene Robinson as bishop in 2003 was a tipping point for many. the rest