Did your folks get the piece on St. Andrew's in Peachtree City directly from the CANA press office? What theological poo-poo! Get this: "the parish has a predominantly orthodox membership" (read: GOOD GUYS!!), "unlike the [Episcopal Church] which has been pursuing a course of increasingly radical theological revisionism" (read: BAD GUYS!!). My gosh, you even use CANA's key words and tricky phrases. Just think of the great articles you could have if you tuned in to the Iranian National News Agency or how about the Klan! On second thought, there's enough hate coming from the Anglican Bishop of All Nigeria to suffice!

Thank you for printing the press release from St. Andrews. We would appreciate reading any more detail, information or background available. Specifically, what are the details on the denominational connections and history that are alluded to in the press release? In addition to the controversial aspects of the Episcopal Church in the news, what have been the other denominational struggles ?

Is the St. Andrews’ experience nothing more than the exercise of independence by a local congregration? Or, might it be an example of a trend toward ecumenism ? Or, is it simply heresy?

Churches claiming independence from their denominations is not unusual, even locally. Dogwood Church was previously Braelinn Baptist Church and then simply Braelinn Church. The denomination known as “Baptist” in America does indeed include a broad spectrum of varieties.

What exactly what was the conflict between St. Andrews’ and the Anglican Organization that led to this schism? Was it theological or political?

American Christians identify themselves denominationally to a lesser extent than in past decades. We think of ourselves less as Lutherans, Methodists, Catholics, Baptists, etc., and more as simply Christians. Earlier generations exhibited a varying Catholic-Protestant antagonism, for example, that would be unthinkable today. It would have been unspeakable for a Christian to marry a Jew 50 years ago and likewise 30 years ago Catholics and Protestants simply did not date. These discriminations are far less significant today.

Are other Christian denominations moving away from the institutional structure? Perhaps the least amount of change would be in the Catholic Church, founded by St. Peter and still claiming to be the “one true church”. Catholics, for example, limit the Sacrament of Holy Communion to those confirmed in the faith; most Protestant faiths do not. Many Christians are focusing on their commitment to Christ and to God, and less on the trappings of their denominations. Denominations in some instances have started to lose their distinguishing characteristics. For example, in the relatively new Methodist Church (founded 300 years ago, made “United” as recently as 1968) many traditions are simply disappearing from the Methodist liturgy in the appeal toward Christian fundamentalism. Music of praise such as the Gloria Patria and the Doxology, previous staples in the Order of Worship, are largely unknown to the American Methodist. Less frequent than before do Methodists now recite the Apostles Creed or even the Roman Catholic based Nicene Creed. Communion, long encouraged by John Wesley to be more frequent than less, has not enjoyed the sacramental priority that he intended. The Wesley tradition of moving ministers around, to make the churches congregation-centered rather than clergy centered, is administered only on a haphazard and occasional basis. And, a continuation of the historical commitment of Wesley Methodists to the poor (with mission work) is unclear. Most interesting is that the institutional text of the Methodist Church (The Book Discipline) is relatively unknown to the rank and file Methodist.

What are we seeing here with St. Andrews in the Pines? Are they consorting with other parishes ?

St. Andrew's will remain property of the Diocese of Atlanta. Unlike other denominations, the governing body over all Episcopal churches, dioceses, owns the property and assets to which the church belongs. It is also my understanding the vote was "tainted". There were people who voted, yet are not members. TO BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ONE MUST BE CONFIRMED AS EPISCOPALIAN. Confirmation classes MUST have been taken and a formal ceremony performed for the candidates. During this ceremony, many candidates usually are confirmed at the same time. To be a voting member within the Episcopal Church, one must be in good standing. This means attendance is regular and pledge is up to date. Many showed up to vote, yet are not in regular attendance and have no pledge(tithe).

Coincidence with regards to the former priest? NO!!! This was a well thought out plan. Father Dan had to retire before all of this took place in order to retain his retirement as he was an ordained priest with the Episcopal Church. This process had to take place after he went into retirement.

The members who have chosen not to leave are now wronged by these who have chosen to leave. The Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta had planned to conduct meetings, one this afternoon and then tomorrow in order to address concerns and issues with those members who want to stay. In a letter received today from the bishop, he wrote to say,” the Vestry has claimed the facilities and barred me from the church for meetings with the congregation this weekend. I shall honor their wishes in a spirit of generosity during this difficult time, but my so should in no way be regarded as any equivocation on my part with respect to my canonical and legal responsibilities in the matters before us. Alternatively I would be please to meet with all those who consider themselves continuing members of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Peachtree City, together with former members, and other interested parties who desire to continue to affiliate with the Diocese of Atlanta and The Episcopal Church. This meeting will take place on Thursday, February 15, 2007, at 7: 00 p.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fayetteville.”

It was printed Bishop Alexander tried to short-circuit the church’s internal voting process last week by sending a letter to all parishioners that was clearly intended to disrupt the church’s efforts and sway or prevent the vote. Additionally, it was stated the Bishop also threatened to remove the entire church vestry and replace it with a group that he would hand-pick. The letter attempted to discredit the church’s plan for a fair and impartial decision by stating that the vote would have “no official standing.”

Funny, I received the same letter yet none of this was in the letter. I can’t image the Bishop sent two letters: one to the parishioners whom he thought would like to separate from TEC and one to those whom he thought might like to stay at St. Andrew’s. I feel these are just twisted interpretations from those who want to separate in order to gain support and maybe some sympathy from the community. It is very sad to see Christian’s acting this way and many should be ashamed of themselves.

For Immediate Release

"Satan wins new congregation in Peachtree City, GA"

(February 9th - Hades News Service) - The Demonic Forces of Evil, Southeastern Region is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new congregation in suburban Peachtree City, Georgia. His Satanic Majesty the Prince of Lies was able to convince a majority of gullible congregants at the currenly leaderless St. Andrew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church that it the proper "worship" of Jesus Christ involved punishing the poor as opposed to seeking the highly overrated "salvation". Appeals to envy, pride and of course money convinced 68% of the former church to renounce Jesus Christ as their personal savior and embrace an obscure Nigerian sect for the purposes of idol worship.

"One hundred forty five newly damned souls...not bad for an evening's work!" exclaimed Hades Recruiting Commander Baal Z. Beezlebub. "We're establishing quite a presence in that little town." He added that while most new recruits from that city had foresaken Jesus Christ to worship Mamon, there was a growing number of entire congregations who accepted Satan into their hearts and embraced his "conservative" philosophies of "do unto others before they do unto you" and "punish those not like us".

Hades officials would not indicate exactly how many damned souls currently resided within Peachtree City, but indicated that recruiting goals were far ahead of schedule.

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