St. Andrew's Twisted Vestry and the Tales They Tell

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. St. Andrew's belongs to the Diocese of Atlanta. It is 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 AN 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. It would be offically joining a church. 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.

Confirmed Episcopalian

Submitted by All Smiles on Sun, 02/11/2007 - 8:05am.

The classes are much like the Catholics and Jewish people take before becoming an official member. It is often customary to have a party in celebration after such ceremony. If I am correct, it would also be very similar to a Baptist baptism, officially joining the church. I’m sure every denomination has some sort of official way to join and become a member.

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