Exclusives : TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave The Episcopal Church
TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave The Episcopal Church
1,000 members relocate to purchased synagogue with three times the space
Clergy will transfer to Diocese of Argentina
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
10/8/2008
The largest Episcopal Church in New York has voted to leave the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Western New York and affiliate with the Province of the Southern Cone, saying the National Church has strayed from the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Christ as the besetting issues.
"The gay issue has been central to our departing," said the Rev. Arthur W. Ward Jr. "The Episcopal Church has turned its back on the Lord, it’s turned its back on scripture and the word of God."
The Rev. Arthur W. Ward jr., Rector
The future never looked better. Where we are going is three times the size of the present property. We will have room for growth that we would not have had if we had stayed where we are. God is good. Now we can grow and expand free of a denomination that no longer believes in the uniqueness of Christ and His saving message"
Ward spoke with Bishop Garrison telling him the congregation and its leadership will officially leave TEC on Sunday, December 14. Ward told VOL that the bishop was gracious and thanked us for giving him the lead time.
"He also granted our request to write dimissory letters for our five clergy (three priests and two deacons) and one of our retired clergy, to transfer us to the Diocese of Argentina. Our congregation of over 1000 strong will be leaving for the new location, a former Jewish synagogue, Temple Beth El, less than a mile away. We are looking forward to the move. We will close on the deal shortly. We will have a very manageable mortgage," Ward told VOL.
"I am glad that we can now put the conflict and division of the Episcopal Church behind us. God's Word is clear - truth is more important than unity and principle trumps property. We now look forward to exchanging the negative energy of division with the positive energy of building a new church and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ unhindered by the revisionist constraints of the Episcopal Church."
The parish ranks 111th largest in the Episcopal Church. There are 7,300 parishes in TEC. Their departure is a major blow to the Diocese of Western New York and Bishop Michael Garrison's weakening grip on the diocese. St. Bartholomew's is fully 10 percent of church going Episcopalians in the diocese - and represents a major financial loss to the diocese.
The highly unpopular Garrison, who was asked to resign by the Standing committee, but has steadfastly refused to do so, thinks that a sizeable portion of the congregation won't leave with Ward. "He is wrong, we have overwhelming support," Ward told VOL.
"People may come and go, but St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in Tonawanda will continue," said Bishop Garrison. "We are ready and able to carry on with worship, pastoral care and administration. We stand ready to support and work with continuing Episcopalians who have been a part of St. Bartholomew's, as well as those who have felt disenfranchised by the position of its leadership.
"It is my intention that Fr. Ward's departure be handled as sensibly and amicably as possible. He has indicated to me that the time has come for him to seek to continue his priesthood in a different branch of Anglicanism. I respect his right to follow his personal conscience in this matter."
Episcopalians from the congregation of St. Bartholomew's who have any pastoral needs and those who wish to learn about the continuing worship schedule at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church are encouraged to contact the diocesan office at 716-881-0660.
Mrs. Jefferts Schori, the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop has repeatedly said that the theological division, and the theme of conflict represents a "relatively small part of this church."
END
For an additional news story click here:
http://www.buffalonews.com/home/story/458445.html
or here:
Click here:
The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
| Poster | Thread |
|---|---|
| Cennydd | Posted: 2008/10/9 1:14 Updated: 2008/10/9 1:14 |
Home away from home   Joined: 2005/10/30 From: Los Banos, CA, Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin Posts: 6862 |
 Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th...Welcome home, Fr Ward and the people of St Bartholomew's!
Your bishop and archbishop, the Most Reverend Gregory Venables, is one of the true stalwarts of Christ's Church, and you are now in good hands. How good it would be if every bishop of TEC were as accommodating as Bishop Garrison appears to be. Cennydd |
| Cradle | Posted: 2008/10/9 1:31 Updated: 2008/10/9 1:31 |
Quite a regular   Joined: 2006/9/10 From: Tx Posts: 69 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... A new birth.
A new beginning. My God bless all of you during your new church life. Cradle |
| hellcat | Posted: 2008/10/9 1:47 Updated: 2008/10/9 1:47 |
Just can't stay away  Joined: 2006/2/7 From: Fort Worth Posts: 147 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... This has not been a good week for Michael the Terrible. After returning from deposing Bishop Duncan, he was faced with responding to the sexual harassment lawsuit. And now, his largest parish is departing. Before he starts trying to pack them into the empty St. Bart's building, he might want to work on church growth in his own cathedral. The Red Book says attendance is 240. Guess the lesbian dean didn't give them the jump start they were anticipating. Wonder if he is still "living into the dream of God"?
|
| morrismpls | Posted: 2008/10/9 3:30 Updated: 2008/10/9 3:30 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2004/1/4 From: Posts: 496 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... Another budgetary black-hole for the diocese. Sounds like a win-win for everyone.
|
| johncarl | Posted: 2008/10/9 4:21 Updated: 2008/10/9 4:21 |
Just can't stay away Joined: 2008/4/18 From: Posts: 122 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... A lifetime ago I belonged to the cathedral in Buffalo - it was very Anglican, conservative, with a wonderful liturgy and men/boys choir. The diocese of Western New York was strong then and I believe growing - in time I moved to another parish in the suburbs with many young families, including mine. It was vibrant and alive!! What a shame that it has come to this.
|
| AllanP | Posted: 2008/10/9 10:37 Updated: 2008/10/9 10:37 |
Just can't stay away Joined: 2008/3/28 From: Posts: 135 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... "God's Word is clear - truth is more important than unity and principle trumps property."
Amazing! A Priest says God comes first, before remaining in a wayward social club and earthly possessions. Mayby it has something to do with Matthew 22:34-40, which in part reads: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment Incredibly, this Priest, who remains Faithful to the Holy Word of God, leads the largest congregation in his Diocese. What's more, it's a congregation that is growing! Meanwhile those who have drifted away from the Holy Word of God continue to decline. When will these lost sheep open their eyes and see the Good Sheppard that is looking to return them back to His flock? |
| JamesH | Posted: 2008/10/9 11:17 Updated: 2008/10/9 11:17 |
Not too shy to talk  Joined: 2004/5/13 From: Kenmore, NY Posts: 39 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... Thank God and the Lord Jesus Christ this day has finally come - no more wandering in the desert!
Jim |
| anglicanxn | Posted: 2008/10/9 17:13 Updated: 2008/10/9 17:13 |
Just can't stay away  Joined: 2004/1/4 From: New England Posts: 111 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... I find it very interesting, and hopeful, that Bp Garrison gave the clergy of St Bart's letters dimissory to Argentina. My bishop ( a "moderate") would probably not do so, saying that there can only be one Anglican jurisdiction in one area. If I moved, physically, to Argentina, he would write a letter dimissory for me, but if I stayed in the US, he would not. Perhaps he will change his mind - I hope so!
|
| Anggrl | Posted: 2008/10/9 20:53 Updated: 2008/10/9 20:53 |
Home away from home Joined: 2005/7/30 From: Posts: 176 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... Mrs. Jefferts Schori, the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop has repeatedly said that the theological division, and the theme of conflict represents a "relatively small part of this church."
Yep. righty-o. |
| Ikerliker | Posted: 2008/10/10 3:04 Updated: 2008/10/10 3:04 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2007/1/16 From: PA Posts: 2051 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... If Hans Brinker goes missing we can surmise that 815 is using his services.
I guess this little "trickle" keeps getting bigger every day! TEc's big tent is gonna be getting pretty roomy about now!  |
| jsaviola | Posted: 2008/10/10 3:35 Updated: 2008/10/10 3:35 |
Just popping in  Joined: 2004/5/15 From: Buffalo, NY Posts: 8 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... I am proud and thrilled to be a part of St. Bart's and can't wait to make this move.
Because I am sick and tired of the lies, deceit, and hatred that the church shows to the orthodox. And because I can no longer bear to watch the church I love dying. I was especially hit hard by the comments here regarding St. Paul's Cathedral. I spent most of the first 45 years of my life there, 38 of those in the Choir of Men and Boys. I lived the transition from classical Anglican liturgy and theology, leadership in the wider Buffalo community and dynamic life in a diverse metropolitan parish to the pitiful drivel that remains. The magnificent but now mostly empty building that is deteriorating because they can no longer afford to care for it properly. The complete lack or christian witness to the downtown community, despite being prominently paced in the heart of it. The population of single, gay, divorced or social-climbing wannabees mixed in with a few (fewer still with the passage of time) great people who cannot bring themselves to leave their church home, no matter what. Spending the endowment, while refusing to consider why the income isn't what it used to be. Indeed, it is a microcosm of the Episcopal Church. A once great institution, wasting away through it's consumption by itself from within. Well....for me... The strife is o'er, the battle done...Alleluia! I join with my new friends and head off into the unknown. With a strong community, steady and wise leadership, and a sense of burdens shed. It's good to be with a group who know and love God. Where the unchangeable word of Jesus Christ is taught and lived each day. And where we can finaly get on with the great commission and build the body of Christ once again. Pray for us. And, by all means, come and pray WITH us. |
| ETaylor | Posted: 2008/10/10 12:06 Updated: 2008/10/10 12:06 |
Just can't stay away  Joined: 2004/1/7 From: Missouri Posts: 105 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... There are 7,300 parishes in TEC.
When I left employment in the Episcopal Church, some fifteen years ago, there were 8,500 parishes and missions in the Episcopal Church. A finger in the dike might help, but a return to the three-legged stool would be better. How long oh Lord? |
| Terry | Posted: 2008/10/10 18:04 Updated: 2008/10/10 18:04 |
Just popping in Joined: 2004/10/26 From: Posts: 4 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... It's interesting, and even amusing to read the "spin" that the diocese of WNY is putting on this departure. Our soon to be former illustrious bishop has said that an Episcopal congregation will continue is the present site, and that "some" of the members are leaving. Some! How about 99.5%? Bishop Mickey will have to import some of his cronies (which he probably will) to fill up the pews.
What a sad commentary on a church that has been my life for 61 years. I have had no confidence in the church for the last few years, and have basically "given up." Now, praise the Lord, maybe we can move forward and leave Egypt behind. "Through the Red Sea brought at last, Alleluia! |
| geveret | Posted: 2008/10/14 17:38 Updated: 2008/10/14 17:38 |
Just popping in Joined: 2007/2/20 From: Posts: 3 |
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... I had a dream on June 14, 2007 that all of the clergy of St. Bartholomew's were together wearing their vestments and holding up high the Word of God with all of our acolytes marching forward with the Church cross. All of the people of St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church were standing in a huge circle holding hands surrounding our clergy,acolytes,and the Sr. Choir. We were all singing the hymn, "Lift High The Cross." My husband and all of the men were holding metal shovels. Next all of the men started digging in the ground. I believe that the Lord gave me this dream to tell me that we would soon be breaking new ground. It is no accident that Temple Beth EL Synagogue located less than one mile away from our current property became available for our congregation to purchase. Psalm 118:23 says, "The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes."
|
| Anonymous | Posted: 2008/11/1 18:22 Updated: 2008/11/1 18:22 |
|
Re: TONAWANDA, NY: Largest Parish in NY Votes to Leave Th... Oh what wonderful news. Just wonderful. Wouldn't it be nice for Rowan and TEC to just wake up tomorrow and say, "Wow! Maybe we have offended God. Let's repent and return to preaching true orthodoxy again." I know. I know. But I can still dream.......
|
|
