VIRGINIA: Lee warns dissenting congregations of separation vote's consequences
By Mary Frances Schjonberg
Tuesday, December 05, 2006

[Episcopal News Service] Bishop Peter Lee of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia has sent a letter to the rectors, vestries and wardens of congregations considering a change in their relationship with the diocese and the Episcopal Church, warning them of the potential legal and canonical consequences of a decision to separate from the Episcopal Church, especially with regard to property and personal liability.

The congregations have engaged in a "40 Days of Discernment" program and some have chosen to conclude that program with votes to determine their future affiliations later this month. The vestries of Truro Church, Fairfax, and The Falls Church, Falls Church, voted November 13 to recommend to their congregations that they sever ties to the Episcopal Church. A number of the others are daughter congregations of Truro Church. the rest