FAIRFAX, Va. (June 18, 2010) – The nine Anglican District of Virginia (ADV) congregations that are parties to the church property case brought by The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia today filed a notice of intent to apply for a rehearing asking the Virginia Supreme Court to reconsider a portion of its ruling.
The Virginia Supreme Court’s June 10th decision reversed the Fairfax County Circuit Court’s ruling in the consolidated cases and remanded the cases back to the Circuit Court for further proceedings.
“Today we filed a notice informing the Virginia Supreme Court that we will ask it to rehear a portion of its June 10 ruling. As authorized by the Court’s Rules, we will file a petition in July that fully explains the basis for this request. We continue to be confident in our legal position as we move forward and will remain steadfast in our effort to defend the historic Christian faith,” said Jim Oakes, chairman of the Anglican District of Virginia, which is the umbrella organization for the nine Anglican congregations who filed today’s motion.
“The Virginia Supreme Court did recognize that there is a division within The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia which is a result of their actions to fall out of step with much of Christendom by choosing to redefine and reinterpret Scripture. Rather than continue in good faith negotiations with us, they chose to sue our congregations. We are sorry The Episcopal Church has chosen to go its own way but their choice to be a prodigal church does not give them the right to take our houses of worship with them,” Oakes said.
“We never sought these legal proceedings, which have been an unfortunate distraction from all the good work our churches are doing to advance the Gospel. Ultimately, we know that the Lord is in control and we will continue to trust in Him, not in secular courts or buildings. Our doors remain open wide to all who wish to worship with us,” Oakes concluded.
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