The soil of the Commonwealth of Virginia has been the scene of many momentous battles throughout the history of this country. In the American Revolution and Civil War, we as a people spilled our blood for freedom and the future of this country on the battlefields of war. In later times, Virginia was often at the forefront of the battles to end racial segregation in our schools and public places; I know, for I grew up in Virginia in those times. Today, Virginia is hosting another battle for freedom, as the “Virginia Eleven” go to court to begin a hearing against the Diocese of Virginia and TCGC over who shall retain ownership of such historic church properties such as Truro Church in Fairfax, and the Falls Church, both of which existed as Anglican congregations before those first Revolutionary battles were fought.
As the article points out – most if not all of the churches the bishop seems so dead set to sue for land and buildings existed long before the TEC became a going thing. The ground the churches stand on is a lot firmer than the squishy clay the TEC is trying to stand straight in. It seems the fight is on and I believe the churches being sued will stand firm as they fight to keep what is theirs.