FAIRFAX, VA: Diocese Files Appeal against Fleeing Episcopal Churches During Holy Week
ADV Responds to Appeal by The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia

(April 7, 2009) - In response to the appeal in the Virginia church property litigation filed on Tuesday, April 7 by the Diocese of Virginia and The Episcopal Church, the Anglican District of Virginia Vice-Chairman Jim Oakes issued the following statement:

"We are saddened that The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia find it necessary to continue this litigation with an appeal filed during Holy Week. The appeal process will cost additional millions of dollars that could be spent on mission and ministry. Both sides have already spent some $5 million in legal costs, money that could have gone to helping our communities during these tough economic times. The legal victories we've had so far in support of our religious freedom have only encouraged us to stand firm in our Anglican faith and work together to deliver the message of Christ.

"Since our final legal victory in December 2008, the Anglican District of Virginia has added two more congregations, bringing out total to 25 congregations and three mission fellowships. This continuing growth here and around the country is tangible evidence of the hunger for orthodox Anglicanism in the U.S. Despite today's appeal, we will continue to move on with our mission to spread the transforming news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our doors are open to everyone, especially those who thirst for transformation and renewal."

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ADV Welcomes New Congregation in Arlington Restoration Anglican to Begin Public Worship Easter Sunday

FAIRFAX, Va. (April 8, 2009) - The Anglican District of Virginia welcomed its newest member congregation, Restoration Anglican Church in Arlington, Va. The new church will open its doors on Easter Sunday for public worship. Restoration Anglican, led by the Rev. David M. Hanke, is a church plant of The Falls Church in Falls Church, Va.

"We are pleased to welcome Restoration Anglican Church to the ADV family. There is no question that planting new churches is the most effective way to reach the unchurched and Rev. Hanke is an exceptional leader who already has demonstrated his gift for building a community of faith through friendship. This new church underscores our shared goal of fostering orthodox Anglicanism throughout the area," said ADV Vice-Chairman Jim Oakes.

"So many people have come together to help build the foundation for Restoration Anglican Church. We've already begun to create a community that connects people to God, to others, and to the needs around us, but our most important benchmark will be whether there are people who are far from Christ that have come into our community and been transformed by the Gospel. We're excited to see what the Lord has in store for our congregation," Rev. Hanke said.

Restoration Anglican Church is located at 1815 North Quincy Street in Arlington, Va. The church offers contemporary Anglican worship, small groups, children's ministry and outreach opportunities. On April 12, Easter services will be held at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. To learn more about Restoration Anglican Church and access the church blog, sermons and a full worship schedule, visit: http://restorationarlington.org/.