The judge did rule from the bench yesterday, including denying the motion for partial reconsideration as well as officially setting the date to turn over all the properties to the Diocese of Virginia by April 30. He also ruled that the churches may keep their names, but should remove "Episcopal" and "Episcopalian." Anglican will be used instead. Though the court met from 10:00 a.m. until nearly 7:30 p.m. yesterday, Judge Bellows decided to reconvene at 2:00 p.m. today at the Fairfax Court House for the signing of the Final Order. This continues to be a very good time to pray, especially as both sides work together to prepare the Final Order.
From here:
Proceedings continue with the Fairfax County Circuit Court reviewing the content of a final order implementing the Judge's decision. A final order is expected to be signed today, March 1, 2012.
The Rev. John Yates, rector of The Falls Church said last night tonight, "We remain prayerful and confident that God is guiding us in this process and look forward to reviewing the final order and understanding its implications for all of us."
5 comments:
finally! there can be some closure!
Encouraged by this verse today, though wish I'd read it earlier, "Whoever watches the wind will not plant, whoever looks at the clouds will not reap" (Ecclesiastes 11). There are challenges for both sides now, but as we move forward it's good to remember to keep our hearts focused on the simple call.
I am glad I was there in it's "hay day." If most of the congregation exits, and Truro becomes a "garden variety" liberal, inclusive church in the years ahead, as the diocese would like, it is not likely to see those heights again!
This is a good word, Anon.
bb
I am praying for the Anglicans of TFC, Truro, and their sister Anglican congregations, priests, and vestry. Perhaps the words of Psalm 121 will give you some comfort at this time.
In Jesus's great and saving name,
Sophy
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