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WEST TEXAS: Largest Episcopal Parish Weighs Future in TEC
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
February 26, 2010
The largest Episcopal parish in the Diocese of West Texas is weighing its options over whether it will continue to stay in The Episcopal Church.
In a letter to the parish and vestry, The Rev. Chuck C. Collins, rector of the 2,700-member Christ Church, San Antonio, wrote: "It is abundantly clear to me, and I believe to every member of Christ Church, that our church family is deeply divided, not over questions of theology, but over whether or not to stay in The Episcopal Church.
"This was plainly stated in the Vestry's January 12, 2010 letter to our members: "There are those of us who believe that there is no future in TEC and others who would like to work for change from within. Some of us are willing to give up our existing buildings if necessary and others would not leave under any circumstance.
"Anxieties over this have risen to a crescendo with the vestry elections, the February 7 parish meeting, and in emails and personal conversations I have had with many parishioners. It seems even clearer after last night's Vestry meeting how polarized we are and how difficult it is to really listen to one another. Well meaning and sincerely devoted Christians are on both sides of this discussion.
"Both sides love the Bible and our Anglican heritage, and both sides abhor the revisionist agenda of The Episcopal Church. "Both sides perceive our current Christ Church community to be a strong witness for Christ and desire to keep it unified. Nevertheless, as The Episcopal Church pushes forward with its agenda, the issue before us will not just go away.
"Last night I asked the Executive Committee of the Vestry to recommend to the Vestry a "process" whereby we, as Christian brothers and sisters, can discern our future together. Once the Executive Committee has made their recommendation, I ask the vestry to forthrightly address the following as soon as possible: Given the deep divisions at Christ Church over the question of our continuing relationship with The Episcopal Church, what is the way forward for this parish family that honors our core values, our love for the Lord, and our love and respect for every member?
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15)
In an exchange of e-mails with VOL, Fr. Collins said the real issue is the authority of Holy Scripture.
"We must now ask ourselves can we tolerate this situation any further for our people." Collins describes himself as an evangelical catholic, gospel driven with a high understanding of the liturgy and catholicity of the church.
"I do not do any of this lightly. It is a painful moment for us all. We are now a church in transition and that is never a comfortable place to be for anyone."
The Bishop of West Texas, Gary Lillibridge was not personally sent the memo, Collins told VOL, but he is on the parish's e-news. "I'm sure he has read it."
Christ Church is the largest in Sunday attendance and membership in the diocese.
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