One of the largest parishes in the nation pulls out of TEC for the Anglican Church in North America
As you know, yesterday we gathered at 12.15 pm for a Special Meeting of the Parish to consider our way forward. First, let me say how deeply I appreciated the participation of the 722 people who cast ballots. This day and this decision was without a doubt one of the most significant days and decisions in the history of this parish. Thank you for your faithfulness and for your willingness to complete the process we began many months ago.
Today we received the preliminary vote totals from the CPA firm contracted to oversee the balloting process. There were 722 ballots cast. The results are:
Resolution 1 (to amend our Parish By-Laws): 709 in favor, 13 opposed – 98 % approval.
Resolution 2 (to amend our Articles of Incorporation): 707 in favor, 15 opposed – 98% approval.
Resolution 3 (to disaffiliate with TEC and affiliate with ACNA or some other Province of the Anglican Communion): 703 in favor, 19 opposed – 97% approval.
I rejoice and give thanks for both the clarity of this discernment process and the unity of purpose within this parish demonstrated by this vote. Unity and discernment are both gifts worked in our lives by the Spirit. Having said that, I am reminded that at least 19 members of St. Andrew’s may not be rejoicing in this vote and I commend them to you and your prayers as brothers and sisters in Christ. Please commit with me to ensure that St. Andrew’s will remain a parish where all are welcome to gather at the foot of the cross; sinners yet redeemed by the wonderful work of Christ.
What’s next?
The Vestry and I have made arrangements for St. Andrew’s to affiliate with The Diocese of The Holy Spirit, a diocese within the Anglican Church in North America. This affiliation will be effective upon the certification of our vote by the CPA firm at 3.00 pm, 2 April, at the latest.
posted by Texanglican (R.W. Foster+) | 5:31 PM
3 Comments:
A remarkable event. First, there is the overwhelming margin of the vote. Second, in one swoop, ACNA increases and TEC decreases by about 1000 members.
Perhaps even more. Some comments on Stand Firm implied that ASA has grown in recent years, but membership was stable. There were people who wouldn't officially join the parish as long as it was still TEC. They should now.
A very sad day indeed in the Diocese of South Carolina. To those in ACNA, we are just a bunch of unregenerate Epsicopagans. How little you know.
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