Fairfax Judge Rules in Favor of ADV Member

Ruling Confirms That Truro Church Owns Land Given by Christ the Redeemer Episcopal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2008
(via email)

FAIRAX, Va. (October 14, 2008) – The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV) responded to the Fairfax County Circuit Court ruling issued today that found that a parcel of property that once belonged to Christ the Redeemer Episcopal Church was properly deeded to Truro Church trustees, and as a result, is covered by the Virginia Division Statute.

“We are pleased with today’s ruling, which found that the intent of Christ the Redeemer Church , a former mission of Truro , was to give its property, a parcel of vacant land, to Truro Church . This ruling confirms that Truro Church owns the land, and that it is to be considered under the Virginia Division Statute, which our congregations have successfully invoked in our defense,” said ADV Vice-Chairman Jim Oakes. Christ the Redeemer and Truro Church are both ADV members.

On April 3, 2008, Judge Bellows issued a landmark ruling that acknowledged a division within The Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Virginia and the larger Anglican Communion, and that the Anglican congregations in Virginia could invoke the Virginia Division Statute (Virginia Code § 57-9) in their defense. The Virginia Division Statute states that the majority of the church is entitled to its property when a group of congregations divide from the denomination. On June 27, 2008, Judge Bellows issued a ruling that confirmed the constitutionality of Virginia Division Statute.

The Episcopal Church and the Diocese abruptly broke off settlement negotiations in January 2007 and filed lawsuits against the Virginia churches, their ministers and their vestries. The decision of The Episcopal Church and the Diocese to redefine and reinterpret Scripture caused the 11 Anglican churches to sever their ties.

The Anglican District of Virginia (www.anglicandistrictofvirginia.org) is an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia . Its members are in full communion with constituent members of the Anglican Communion through its affiliation with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a missionary branch of the Church of Nigeria and other Anglican Archbishops. ADV members are a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a community of 77 million people. ADV is dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples while actively serving in three main capacities: International Ministries, Evangelism, and Strengthening Families and Community. ADV is currently comprised of 23 member congregations.