Another American Parish Quits: CEN 10.19.07 p 7 October 17, 2007
Posted by geoconger in Arizona, Church of England Newspaper, Property Litigation.15 comments
The unraveling of the American Church continues as parishioners at one of the Diocese of Arizona’s “cardinal parishes” announced on Sept 28 they were quitting the Episcopal Church to come under the Church of Uganda.
Approximately 40 percent of the active congregation of Christ Church of the Ascension in Paradise Valley withdrew from the Episcopal Church last month to come under the authority of Uganda’s missionary bishop in the US, the Rt. Rev. John Guernsey.
One of the largest and most prosperous Episcopal churches in Arizona, it was the church home of American conservative icon, the late Barry Goldwater. The founder of the modern conservative movement who counted Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush among his acolytes, Senator Goldwater donated the land for the church, was a long time parishioner and is interred at the parish.
The rector of Christ Church, the Rev. Ken Semon announced he was leaving the parish, to take a call in the conservative diocese of the Rio Grande. Mr. Semon told the Arizona Republic his decision took place as “the parish was about to split because the bishop was threatening the conservative majority that he would sue us if we aligned with a conservative Anglican group.”
In his final parish newsletter Mr. Semon stated that “with the Anglican realignment taking place, exciting opportunities await [the breakaway group]. The realignment presents an opportunity to continue to experience the fullness of faith which Christ promises.”
He was not going to lead the new group however, as it need a “vigorous young leader, not one who is only a few years away from retirement.”
A spokesman for the new congregation stated they believed the Episcopal Church “no longer universally believes or authoritatively teaches” in the witness of Scripture and in the teachings of the catholic church.
“Our devotion is to God, not a particular institution” Jim Allred said. “When an institution no longer represents our understanding of God’s Word and His Will, we must have the courage and faith to stand by our convictions” and go.
