R-1 Affirmation of General Convention 2003 (Withdrawn)
R-2 Homelessness (Adopted)
R-3 Polity of the Anglican Communion (Combined into R-22)
R-4 Shortcoming of Windsor Report Defining Bonds of Affection (Combined into R-22)
R-5 Stewardship (Referred. No action)
R-6 Faithful Stewardship of Energy (Adopted)
R-7 Repudiation of Torture (Adopted)
R-8 Imprisonment Without Hope (Adopted)
R-9 Formal Regret as per Windsor Report (Combined into R-22)
R-10 Request for Expression of Regret as per Windsor Report (Combined into R-22)
R-11 Consecration Moratorium as per Windsor Report (Combined into R-22)
R-12 Windsor Report Inclusion by Reference (Combined into R-22)
R-13 Living Wage (Adopted)
R-14 Just and Unjust War (Adopted)
R-15 Stewardship (Discharged)
R-16 Healthcare for All (Adopted) (Adopted)
R-17 Reaffirm Voluntary Proportionate Giving (Discharged)
R-18 Thanksgiving for Peace in Southern Sudan and for Witness of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (Adopted)
R-19 Resolution on Diocesan Staff (Adopted)
R-20 Virginia Plan For Peaceful Resolution (Combined into R-22)
R-21 Property rights concerning the division of Church property (Adopted)
R-22 A Diocesan Response to the Windsor Report (Adopted)
BR-1 Recommitment to the Virginia Plan (Adopted)
Courtesy Resolutions (adopted)
CR-1 Sesquicentennial Anniversary of Grace Episcopal Church, Alexandria
CR-2 Hollis Dakin
CR-3 Joseph Charles Kiefe, Jr.
CR-4 Adam Pailet Goren
CR-5 The Rev. Edward W. Eanes, Rector Emeritus, St. Peter’s, New Kent
CR-6 Gail Courtney Rittgers
CR-7 The Rev. Hugh C. White, III
CR-8 Celebrating the 150 th Anniversary of St. Mark’s Church, Alexandria
CR-9 The Rev. Thom Blair, Sr.
CR-10 Leonard Cowherd
CR-11 Mary Tyler McClenahan
CR-12 The Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee
CR-13 The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones
CR-14 The Rt. Rev. Francis C. Gray
As
adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved, That this 210th
Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia acknowledges our concern that, in
this richest nation in the world, 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them
children, are homeless in any given year; and be it further
Resolved, That this Council calls the
people of the Diocese to greater awareness, prayer and other action on behalf
of the homeless in our communities.
Stewardship
As
introduced by the Committee (NOTE: This resolution was referred without action
to the diocesan Stewardship Committee.)
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Whereas, The Task Force on Giving, which
was established by Bishop Lee in response to
Resolution R25 adopted by the 209th Diocesan Council, has not recommended any structural changes in the
Virginia Plan of voluntary giving for support of the corporate program, mission
and ministry of the Diocese; and
Whereas, Members
of the Grace Church (
disappointment
in the recommendations of that report; and
Whereas, A
resolution of the 204th Annual Council (1999) already affirmed the
Virginia Plan and set guidelines for voluntary giving that are being largely
ignored by many parishes; and
Whereas,
The 209th
Diocesan Council was forced to reduce significantly the 2004 budget for
support
of the corporate program, mission, and ministry of the Diocese, largely because
of a reduction in total giving by the parishes of the Diocese; and
Whereas, The
209th Council referred stewardship issues to the Executive Board and
the Executive Board voted to offer a Designated Giving program to Churches
within the Diocese in the spirit of reconciliation for the year 2004 only – a
program which allowed parishes to avoid making unrestricted pledges toward the
support of staffing and infrastructure of the Diocese, the episcopate, and the
work of the general Church; and
Whereas, The
voluntary system of giving is no longer able to sustain and support a healthy
Council budget because there is no accountability or consequences for failure
to support the work of the Diocese; and
Whereas, Reconciliation
must ultimately involve the willingness of all parishes to come together in
support of appropriate financing for the episcopate and for Diocesan staffing,
infrastructure and mission; now therefore be it
Resolved,
That the
Council direct the Bishop, Executive Board and Standing Committee to establish
appropriate mechanisms to assure compliance with the
requirements of Canon 10 and Canon 12 that parishes financially support the work of the Diocese and Episcopate; and be it
further
Resolved, That
all Churches with voice and vote at Annual Council submit an unrestricted
pledge to the Diocese to show good faith and stewardship in the reconciliation
process.
As
introduced by the Committee and adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved, That
this 210th Annual Council supports with renewed urgency all measures that
reduce energy use and strongly urges that all parishes and Diocesan organizations,
wherever feasible, plan to adopt renewable sources of energy at the earliest
possible date.
Resolved, That the
Diocese, parishes, and other Diocesan organizations subscribe to the newly
formed
Virginia Interfaith Power and Light organization to learn of opportunities for
reducing energy use and introducing renewable energy.
Repudiation
of Torture
As
adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved,
That this
210th Annual Council calls upon the President and the Congress of the United
States to repudiate, without equivocation, all
acts of torture as defined under the provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention
relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the 1985 United Nations
Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment, and the 1996 United States War Crimes Act; and be it further
Resolved, That
this 210th Annual Council calls upon the people of the Diocese of Virginia to
use all appropriate measures to ensure that those who give counsel to the
President or the Congress do not use their positions to justify torture or to
undermine compliance by the United States with the provisions of the above
named conventions and acts of Congress, andbe it further
Resolved, That this
210th Annual Council urges our ecumenical partners, and especially our
brothers
and sisters in the Episcopal Church and the world wide Anglican Communion to
join us in calling upon all governments to repudiate any use of torture by any
government agency; and be it further
Resolved, By this 210th Annual
Council, that, except as ordered by a court, no Virginia Episcopalian shall
order, engage in, assist or counsel the physical torture of any human beings in
their involuntary custody, and we as a diocese shall assist in securing pro bono counsel for, and otherwise to
assist, an Virginia who faces disciplinary action for disobeying orders to
engage in such improper conduct or who faces discipline for exposing such
improper conduct.
Imprisonment
Without Hope
As
introduced by the Committee and adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved,
That this
210th Annual Council, recognizing that as Christians we are called to love our
enemies, calls upon the President and the Congress of the United States to
develop reasonable guidelines to ensure that no person taken prisoner by the
United States or agent of the United States be imprisoned indefinitely or
without the hope of recourse to due process of law; and be it further
Resolved, That
this 210th Annual Council calls upon the President and the Congress
of the United States to develop reasonable guidelines to ensure that no
prisoner of the United States or agent of the United States will be held incommunicado indefinitely; and be it further
Resolved, That
this 210th Annual Council calls upon the President and the Congress
of the United States to ensure that no person taken prisoner by the United
States or agent of the United States will knowingly be remanded to the custody
of another government or agency of another government for the purpose of
allowing that government or agency to extract information from said prisoner by
use of methods that would not be acceptable were that person to remain in U.S.
custody.
Living
Wage
As
introduced by the Committee and adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved,
That this
210th Annual Council expresses profound concern for the working poor of the
Diocese of
Resolved, That this 210th
Annual Council urges all parishes, the Diocese, and Diocesan run camps
and conferences to
strive to pay a living wage to all employees, staff and contracted workers; and be it further
Resolved, That this 210th Annual Council
encourages parishes to confront the evil of poverty in our
communities living out their baptismal
commitment to "proclaim by word and example of the Good News of God in
Christ" and "strive for justice and peace among all people, and
respect the dignity of every human being" by paying a just and living wage
to those whom they employ.
Peace with Justice
As
adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved, that the 210th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia
calls all Episcopalians in the Diocese of Virginia to pray and work daily for
peace with justice; and be it further
Resolved, that we dedicate ourselves to renewed prayers for wisdom
for national and international leaders, for men and women serving in the armed
forces, for peacemakers, for the safety of all innocents in Iraq and other
areas of conflict, and for our enemies; and be it further
Resolved, that we understand that in a fallen world, one of the
responsibilities of international leadership is to name the threats to peace
and to participate in removing them, by diplomacy if possible, by measured,
necessary force as a last resort; and be it further
Resolved, that we call upon our government to ensure that our
foreign policies conform to traditional Christian doctrines of just war which
are:
·
Just cause: Force may be used only to
correct a grave, public evil, i.e., aggression or massive violation of the
basic rights of whole populations.
·
Comparative justice: While there may be
rights and wrongs on all sides of a conflict, to override the presumption
against the use of force, the injustice suffered by one part must significantly
outweigh that suffered by the other.
·
Legitimate authority: Only duly
constituted public authorities may use deadly force or wage war.
·
Right intention: Force may be used only
in a truly just cause and solely for that purpose.
·
Probability of success: Arms may not be
used in a futile cause or in a case where disproportionate measures are
required to achieve success.
·
Proportionality: The overall destruction
expected from the use of force must be outweighed by the good to be achieved.
·
Last resort: Force may be used only after
all peaceful alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted.
·
Noncombatant immunity: Civilians may not
be the objects of direct attack, and military personnel must take due care to
avoid and minimize indirect harm to civilians.
·
Proportionality: In the conduct of
hostilities, efforts must be made to attain military objectives with no more
force than is militarily necessary and to avoid disproportionate collateral
damage to civilian life and property.
·
Right intention: Even in the midst of
conflict, the aim of political and military leaders must be peace with justice,
so that acts of vengeance and indiscriminate violence, whether by individuals,
military units or governments, are forbidden; and be it further
Resolved, that we may participate in planting seeds that will grow
into an international order that
promotes justice, peace, and love; and be it further
Resolved, that, in order that we may be fully informed
citizen-Christians in a participatory democracy, we call upon our government to
state openly all appropriate evidence justifying any action taken to enforce
our nation’s foreign policies.
As
adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved, That
this 210th Annual Council decries the reality that 45 million of our fellow
Americans do not have health care coverage which provides a guarantee of access
to health care; and be it further
Resolved, That this 210th Annual
Council calls upon the people of this diocese and those in positions of
leadership both in the faith community and within government bodies at all
levels to take all steps possible to make health care accessible to all our
citizens.
Thanksgiving
for Peace in Southern Sudan and for Witness of the Episcopal Church of the
As
introduced by the Committee and adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Whereas, Civil war began in southern
Sudan in 1983, a war in which around two million people have perished, around
five million people have been displaced, and in which many more people have
endured tremendous hardship and suffering from attacks on civilians, famine,
disease, and enslavement; and
Whereas, This civil war has been the
occasion for terrible persecution of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan,
particularly after the 1989 coup by the National Islamic Front. Churches have been destroyed without
replacement, and bishops, other clergy, and lay leaders have been harassed,
arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and in some cases killed for the faith; and
Whereas, The Episcopal Church of the
Sudan has persevered in the face of this persecution, despite bloodshed,
uncompensated confiscation of property, and financial ruin in order to protect
Sudanese Christians from bloodshed, imprisonment, starvation, disease, and
enslavement, and to resist forced conversion to Islam and the destruction of
churches, schools, and clinics of many Christian denominations; and
Whereas, The Episcopal Church of the
Sudan has grown rapidly in spite of terrible hardships and is now reported to
have over a million members; and
Whereas, Our Bishops Lee, Jones, and
Gray have been instrumental in supporting efforts by our churches and people to
help the Episcopal Church of the Sudan; and
Whereas, Since at least 1996, many of
our congregations, clergy, and people have been actively
helping the Episcopal Church of the Sudan, with
missionary trips, prayers, money, supplies, efforts to support landmine
clearance by the Canadian Church, political activities, lobbying, protests,
support of Sudanese refugees, petitions for political and religious asylum,
among other efforts; and
Whereas, Some of these missionary
trips were quite dangerous, and involved in at least a few cases, our
missionary teams coming under air assault from the Sudanese Air Force, in raids
where some of our Sudanese friends were killed, and involved in other cases,
conflicts with the Sudanese authorities, confiscation of precious medicines and
film of the atrocious conditions there, as well as other indignities; and
Whereas, In
part because of the unswerving efforts of the key bishops and lay leaders of
the
Episcopal Church of the Sudan, including the Rt.
Rev. Daniel Deng Bul and the Honorable Abel Alier, friends of the Diocese of
Virginia, as well as many Christians around the world, including the Rev. John
Danforth (UN Ambassador and Special Envoy), the Honorable Colin Powell
(Secretary of State) and the Honorable Walter Kansteiner (former Assistant
Secretary of State), a peace agreement
concluding over twenty-one years of war in southern Sudan has now been signed;
and
Whereas, Many
in our diocese have developed very strong relationships with our clergy and lay
friends
in the Episcopal Church of the
Resolved, That this 210th
Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia, thanks Almighty God that the
terrible
civil war in southern
Resolved, That we give
great thanks for the long and faithful witness to Jesus Christ made by our
many friends in the
Episcopal Church of the
Resolved, That we ask our
Bishops to arrange an appropriate Diocesan service of Thanksgiving to
acknowledge
this great blessing of peace in southern
Resolved, That we thank
the many parishes in this Diocese, large and small (as well as the many
clergy
and lay people) which have been instrumental in efforts to support the church
in
Resolved, That we
particularly thank these parishes, known to have sent short term missionaries,
to
have entered into
partnerships with Sudanese bishops and lay leaders, to be hosting refugee
congregations, to have made major donations for the translation of the Bible
into local languages, or to have done all of these:
·
·
Church of the Apostles, Fairfax
·
·
·
St. Mary’s,
·
All Saints,
·
All Saints,
·
St. Francis,
·
St. Bartholomew’s,
·
St. Alban’s,
·
·
·
·
Resolved, That we
strongly urge our parishes, clergy and people to continue to pray, work, and
give to continue those partnerships, ministries, and friendships with our
brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Church of the
Resolved, That we urge
particular attention to efforts to work with the Episcopal Church of the Sudan
to help meet the great spiritual needs of the people of Sudan, by helping to
train clergy, to continue to translate the Bible into the local languages of
Sudan, and to enable strong lay leadership there; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge
our churches, clergy, and people to continue to pray and work for the
peaceful resolution of the genocidal conflict in
Darfur, in western Sudan, in which hundreds of thousands have been displaced
and seventy thousand have reportedly perished over the last two years; and be
it further
Resolved, That we ask the
Secretary of the Diocese is requested to send a copy of this resolution to the
Archbishop of Sudan, as well as to the Rt. Rev. Daniel Deng Bul, the Honorable
Abel Alier, the Rev. John Danforth, the Honorable Colin Powell, and the
Honorable Walter Kansteiner.
Resolution on Diocesan Staff
As
introduced by the Committee and adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Whereas, The
Diocese of Virginia is by baptized membership the largest Diocese in the
Episcopal Church USA, yet our diocesan staff is significantly smaller than
those of other large dioceses; and
Whereas, The staff of the Diocese has been
further reduced through attrition due to the reduction of diocesan budgets
following the 2003 rd General Convention; and
Whereas, The amount of work required during this
period actually increased as a smaller staff was required to do the work of
those who left; and
Whereas, The remaining staff were given no cost
of living increase in the 2004 budget and due to a change in insurance
requiring them to pay more for benefits in fact lost net income in 2004; and
Whereas, The 2005 budget does include a modest
cost of living increase, but not a restoration of former benefits; and
Whereas, The Diocesan staff, lay and ordained,
has performed its duties with all due diligence in the service of God, the
Bishop of Virginia, and each of us despite increased workload and decreased
numbers; now
therefore be it
Resolved, That the 210 th Annual Council of the
Diocese extend a statement of its gratitude to the staff of the Diocese of
Virginia; and be it further
Resolved, That the 210 th Annual Council request
the Executive Board and the Budget Committee in preparation of the 2006 budget
to make every effort to increase both salary and benefits of our staff to at
least a level equivalent to 2003 adjusted for inflation; and be it further
Resolved, That the Diocese make every effort to
restore positions lost, or other positions at the discretion of our Bishop, to
aid in our common ministry.
Property
Rights Concerning the Division of Church Property
As
introduced by the Committee and adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Whereas, Senate Bill 1305 was introduced on
the last day Bills could be filed for the 2005 Session of the Virginia General
Assembly; and
Whereas, SB 1305 concerns property
held for religious purposes; and
Whereas, SB 1305 concerns the determination
of property rights upon the division of church, diocese or society; therefore
be it
Resolved, That the 210th Annual Council of
the Diocese of Virginia go on record opposing the passage of SB 1305 and other
similar legislation because it is contrary to the Canons of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the USA and the Diocese of Virginia.
A
Diocesan Response to the
As
adopted by the 210th Annual Council
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Whereas, We in the Diocese of Virginia are
members of the Anglican Communion, are united in Christ and are called to live
out our witness in our workplaces, churches and communities; and
Whereas, We desire to
serve as a model of civility to the Anglican Communion for resolution of the
present divisions by working together and honoring conscience through a process
that is respectful and peaceful; and
Whereas, We respect the Windsor Report of
the Lambeth Commission on Communion, which has recommended to the Episcopal
Church concrete ways to strengthen the Anglican Communion; and
Whereas, The 210th Annual
Council recognizes that the Windsor Report admonishes the Episcopal Church for
failing, in its recent actions regarding the approval of the election of the
Bishop of New Hampshire and the adoption of Resolution C051 pertaining to the
blessing of same gender unions, to give adequate consideration to the impact
that these decisions had on bonds of affection with other parts of the Anglican
Communion; and
Whereas, The 210th Annual
Council recognizes that the Windsor Report admonishes those bishops throughout
the Anglican Communion who have intervened in dioceses and provinces other than
their own; and
Whereas, The Lambeth Conference of 1998
commends us to listen to the experience of homosexual persons and to assure
them that they are loved by God and that all baptized, believing and faithful
persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of
Christ; and
Whereas, Bishop Lee has served as a model
of civility and generosity and has called us to embrace the concept of mutual
submission, which – according to the New Testament – means that we voluntarily
refrain from actions that hurt our brothers and sisters or create stumbling
blocks for others in the life of faith; now therefore be it
Resolved, that the 210th Annual
Council of the Diocese of Virginia expresses regret for this diocese’s share of
responsibility for actions of the 74th General Convention that
breached the proper constraints of our bonds of affection with other parts of
the Anglican Communion; and be it further
Resolved, That the 210th Annual
Council of the Diocese of Virginia formally requests that the 75th
General Convention of the Episcopal Church effect a moratorium on the election
of and consent to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate who is
living in same-gender union, until some new consensus in the Anglican Communion
emerges; and be it further
Resolved, That all Anglicans have a moral
responsibility to acknowledge and respond with compassion and understanding to
the pain and suffering of those who, because of their sexual orientation,
endure marginalization and rejection in the church and in the world; and be it
further
Resolved, That the 210th
Annual Council calls upon the member churches of the Anglican Communion to maintain
faith with the traditions and polity of the Anglican Communion and the
Episcopal Church while the implications of an Anglican Covenant are being
studied; and be it further
Resolved, That the congregations and regions
of the Diocese of Virginia be urged to use the Report of the Diocese of
Virginia’s Commission on Reconciliation as a vehicle to further theological
conversation; and be it further
Resolved, That this resolution represents
the desire of the Diocese of Virginia to remain together and a part of the
Anglican Communion.
Recommitment
to the Virginia Plan (Adopted)
As
adopted by the 210th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia
TEXT
PENDING FINAL REVIEW
Resolved, That the 210th Annual
Council of the Diocese of Virginia should make known that a continuing
financial challenge exists; and be it further
Resolved, That every member of Council will
work faithfully to align the actions of his or her parish with the current Virginia
Plan.
CR-1 Sesquicentennial Anniversary of Grace Church, Alexandria
Whereas, On September 27, 2005, Grace Church in Alexandria marks the anniversary of its
founding in 1855 and commemorates 150 years of continuous ministry and mission in the city of Alexandria and beyond; and
Whereas, Throughout the year 2005 Grace Church will honor, through a variety of events and activities, its founders and saints who came before; express appreciation to present and former parish membership, clergy, and friends who have continued to strengthen its strong parish community; strive to leave a lasting testament of faith and thanksgiving for future generations; and also celebrate its heritage of worship and service to Jesus Christ through the Eucharist, prayer, personal involvement in parish life and care for others in the community, therefore be it
Resolved, That this 210th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia joins the congregation of Grace Church in Alexandria in expressing its profound thanks to God for the lives and service of the founders of Grace Church and its congratulations and best wishes to the parish as it celebrates its sesquicentennial year, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the parish and its Rector, the Rev. Robert H. Malm.
Respectfully submitted by
Mr. Cleve Corlett, Lay Delegate
Ms. Jane Rosman, Lay Delegate
Whereas, Hollis Dakin, born May 5, 1917, who died January 1, 2005, was a faithful ember of St. Dunstan’s, McLean, Virginia for 43 years, serving the parish in many capacities: Senior Warden; vestry member; choir member; leader of the John Hopkins’ Memorial Bible Study; seminarian committee member; and many others, and as volunteer worker for Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry; therefore be it
Resolved, That this 210th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia joins the congregation of St. Dunstan’s, McLean in expressing its profound thanks to God for the life and service of Hollis Dakin and that a copy of this resolution be sent to his daughter, Mrs. Kathi Dakin May, at: Mrs. Gibson L. May, 84 Enfield Dr., Stafford, VA 22554.
Submitted by
St. Dunstan’s Church, McLean
CR-3 Joseph Charles Kiefe, Jr.
Whereas, Brigadier General Joseph Charles Kiefe, Jr. departed this life and entered the Church
Triumphant on October 20, 2004; and
Whereas, General Kiefe lived as a faithful servant of God throughout his lifetime, serving his
country as an exemplary soldier, his church as a faithful leader, and his family as a devoted husband to Marsha, a loving father of Joseph III and Catherine Elizabeth, and a proud grandfather of Alexandra and Joseph IV; and
Whereas, General Kiefe served the Diocese of Virginia as a member of the Commission on
Congregational Missions (CCM) and its predecessor body the Committee on Mission Outreach and Churches Under the Supervision of the Bishop (MOCUS) for 27 years; and
Whereas, General Kiefe’s service to mission congregations spanned the ministries of Bishops
Baden, Lewis, Atkinson, Matthews, and Jones; and
Whereas, General Kiefe’s service as the diocesan liaison to St. Andrew’s Church in Burke and St. Matthew’s Church in Sterling helped both congregations attain full church status in the Diocese of Virginia; and
Whereas, General Kiefe devoted countless hours as a diocesan liaison to Holy Cross Korean
Church and St. Patrick’s Anglo-Vietnamese Church and their clergy; and
Whereas, General Kiefe was deeply loved, respected and admired throughout the Diocese of
Virginia; therefore be it
Resolved, That the 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia give thanks to Almighty God for the life and ministry of Brigadier General Joseph Charles Kiefe, Jr.
Submitted by
Commission on Congregational Missions
Whereas, Adam Pailet Goren, who died unexpectedly in mid-December 2004, was a faithful, enthusiastic Seminarian from the Diocese of Texas, a Senior at the Virginia Theological Seminary, and an Intern at the Church of the Good Shepherd beginning in the Fall of 2003 including the Summer of 2004, and
Whereas, Adam fulfilled Paul’s call to all Christians in Romans 15:7 to “Welcome one another as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God,” and, with God’s help, Adam fulfilled all of his Baptismal promises and was a fine worship leader and a gifted preacher who learned to preach without notes, and was a loving pastor who genuinely cared for people of all ages, and was a spirited Youth Leader for Junior and Senior Youth typified by his Summer Beach Week name of “Chuckles,” and was a staff member for Good Shepherd’s Camp Hope Mission work and was looking forward to the Good Shepherd El Salvador Mission Trip, and
Whereas, Adam’s personality perhaps is best characterized by comments of Good Shepherd parishioners: “Adam genuinely cared for everyone he touched…never knew a stranger,” “Adam reached out to newcomers in our church especially those of minority backgrounds,” “Adam was a gifted worship leader, lector, and lay intercessor,” “Adam was a spirited preacher with every word from the depth of his heart and soul,” “Adam was a cooperative team member of ministry with the staff,” “Adam had a quick wit, unnerving giggle and hearty laugh,” “Adam had the heart and smile of a child;” therefore be it
Resolved, That this 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia joins the congregation of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke in expressing it’s thanks to God for the life and service of Adam Pailet Goren, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to Adam’s mother.
Respectfully submitted by
Clergy and Vestry of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Burke
CR-5 The Rev. Edward W. Eanes, Rector Emeritus, St. Peter’s, New Kent
Whereas, the year of our Lord 2005 marks the passing of the Rev. Edward Wilber Eanes after seventy-seven years of ordained service to his Lord Jesus Christ: and
Whereas, the years of his ministry were marked by extraordinary accomplishments and faithful service to God and county and his marriage to Harriet Laura Briggs in 1931: and
Whereas, under his spiritual leadership the historic church of St. Peter’s, New Kent was restored and renewed in its community life and witness: and
Whereas, he began his ordained life as a minister of the Southern Baptist Church in 1928 following the completion of his seminary training at Colgate-Rochester Divinity School and earning a masters of arts degree at the University of Rochester, and
Whereas, he served as a faithful shepherd and pastor for several churches in New York and Virginia from 1928 to 1941, and
Whereas, he then entered the United States Army as a chaplain serving with the XII Armored Division during the Second World War and the I Corps during the Korean Conflict and retiring from the service of his country in 1960; and
Whereas, he became in 1960 the Principal of Charles City County High School and later Chairman of the Board of Education of Charles City County Schools leading the county in the process of school integration and community reconciliation; and
Whereas, he was so recognized for his leadership that he was elected president of the local clergy association of Charles City and New Kent Counties by the majority of African-American clergy serving at that time; and
Whereas, his community and religious leadership was so recognized at the time by the Diocese of Virginia that the Bishop invited him to become ordained in the Anglican tradition, his ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons taking place on the eight of April 1961; and
Whereas , he went on to serve the parishes of St. Peter’s, New Kent, Westover Parish, Charles City and Hickory Neck Parish, Toano; and
Whereas, he is lovingly remembered by has family and community as a beloved pastor, military chaplain, community leader, school administrator, teacher, author, friend, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, now therefore be it
Resolved, that this 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia gives thanks to Almighty God for the life and witness of the Rev. Edward Wilber Eanes for his seventy-seven years of leadership and presence among us.
Submitted by the Rev. Geoffrey M. Price
Whereas, Gail Courtney Rittgers lived a long and faithful life in Christ, and
Whereas, she devoted her life to teaching Christ to her own family and to other young people as a faithful member of Grace Church, Alexandria, Virginia, and around the world as a faithful Army wife, and
Whereas, she served Grace Church and its people as a Sunday School teacher, vestry member, member of the Cursillo community and fellowship activities, and valued counselor to young and old alike, and
Whereas, she blessed us all with her happy wisdom and love, teaching all who knew her much about Christ’s incarnate love and our Lord’s promise of eternity
Whereas, she departed this life peacefully at an age of 102 years, surrounded by her family and the love of many friends and fellow parishioners, and in firm belief in the redeeming love of Christ and assurance of the resurrection,
Resolved, that this 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia gives thanks to Almighty God for the life and witness of Gail Courtney Rittgers, and be it further
Resolved, that this Council express its heartfelt sympathy and love to her family and fellow parishioners who mourn her passing, and be it further
Resolved, that a copy of this resolution be sent to her family.
Submitted by the Vestry of Grace Church, Alexandria
CR-7 The Rev. Hugh C. White, III
Whereas, on December 31, 2004, the Rev. Hugh C. White, III, retired as Rector of Grace Church, Kilmarnock, terminating 38 years of ministry in various dioceses of Virginia, including serving as Rector of St. Paul’s, Norfolk; Chaplain of Stuart Hall School, Staunton; and previously serving parishes in Buchanan, Fincastle, Eagle Rock, and Pulaski; and
Whereas, Mr. White has rendered distinguished service on numerous community boards throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as boards of such church affiliated institutions as the Virginia Theological Seminary; Stuart Hall School; Boys’ Home; Westminster Canterbury, Virginia Beach; the Church Home in Norfolk, the Standing Committee of Southern Virginia; the Commission on Ministry of Southern Virginia; the Departments of Stewardship of Southern Virginia and Southwestern Virginia; Westminster Canterbury Foundation of the Rappahannock; the Diocesan Missionary Society; and the Foundation for Historic Christ Church, Irvington; and
Whereas, with the Episcopal Church, Mr. White has served on the Episcopal Conference for the Deaf, the 1979 Prayer Book Revision, and four terms as Deputy to General Convention; and
Whereas, since 1996 Mr. White has served as the Rector of Grace Church, Kilmarnock, where exhibited unwavering conviction in his faith, created the Grace Trust which assures the long term financial security of Grace Church, provided substantial improvements to the Church buildings during his tenure, and left his parish in a healthy and vibrant state; Now Therefore be it
Resolved, that this 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia joins with the vestry and congregation of Grace Church, Kilmarnock, in expressing its profound thanks to the Rev. Hugh C. White, III, for his ministry and exemplary service to the Episcopal Church and sends its best wishes by providing a copy of this resolution to Mr. White.
Respectfully submitted,
Vestry of Grace Church, Kilmarnock
CR-8 Celebrating the 150 th Anniversary of St. Mark’s Church, Alexandria
Whereas, St. Mark’s Church, formerly known as Groveton Mission and later Christ Church Mission, began on April 4, 1880, with the arrival of two seminarians, A.J. Willis and Kensey Jones Hammond riding five miles from Virginia Theological Seminary to Groveton School, on Richmond Highway, and
Whereas, in 1904 it was recorded that “This mission is a daughter of Sharon (viz. All Saints’) and is very proud of her descent. Her birth was the result of the earnest effort of several good families from Sharon Chapel, to bring preaching of God’s word nearer to the homes and lives of those who knew him not”, and
Whereas, in the fall of 1924 heavy afternoon traffic on Richmond Highway made access to the Sunday School at Groveton Mission dangerous for young children, it was decided that a new location should be considered, and
Whereas, that location was found on South King’s Highway, a church building erected by the congregation under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Holt Jenkins in 1957, was admitted to parish status in January 1977 and said building expanded and renovated in 2004, the doors remaining open to God’s love, the sacraments being celebrated, and witnesses to God’s blessings going forward, therefore, let it be
Resolved, that this 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia joins the congregation of St. Mark’s Church, Alexandria, in declaring its profound thanks to God for the lives and service of its founders, families and community as it celebrates its 125 th year, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to its parish for admission to the church records.
Respectfully submitted by
The Rev. John A. Weatherly, Rector
Mr. Rob Morris, Delegate
Mrs. Rosemary Kley, Alternate
Whereas, The Rev. Thom W. Blair, Jr., faithfully served as rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Richmond, from 1994 until his retirement in June 2004 during time of both spiritual and physical growth for the parish; and
Whereas, he encouraged the congregation to pursue its plans to build a new education facility and parish hall and, together with the leadership, inspired its members to achieve the necessary capital campaign goals; and
Whereas, as a spiritual leader with many gifts as a preacher, teacher, and pastor, he empowered others to grow in their faith journey; and
Whereas, Thom Blair took his place in the councils of the church through his leadership on the Standing Committee, the Board of Virginia Diocesan Homes, as a trustees of the Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia, and through offering his wisdom and experience as a keynoter at a well remembered Shrine Mont clergy/lay professional/spouse conference; and
Whereas, With strong yet gentle spirit, he was an example of Christ’s love as he moved quietly among us empowering us to use our gifts; be it
Resolved, that the 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia express our thanksgiving for Thom Blair’s faithful ministry among us and extend our love and best wishes to Thom and Louisa for many years of happy and fruitful retirement.
Submitted by the Wardens of St. Stephen’s Church, Richmond,
For the vestry, people and staff of St. Stephen’s Church
Whereas, Leonard M. Cowherd III grew up as a faithful member of St. Stephen’s Church, Culpeper and this Diocese; and
Whereas, Leonard Cowherd was a beloved son of Len and Mary Ann Cowherd, beloved brother to his twin Charles, his brother Colby, and his sister Laura; and
Whereas, He was a beloved husband to Sarah; and
Whereas, He spent many happy summers at St. George’s Camp at Shrine Mont, as did his twin brother Charles, who serves as the assistant director of St. George’s Camp; and
Whereas, He graduated from the Wakefield Country Day School in Flint Hill, Virginia; and
Whereas, He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2003 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army; and
Whereas, He served with distinction and valor as a tank platoon commander of Company C, 1 st Battalion, 37 th Armored Regiment, 1 st Armored Division; and
Whereas, He was killed in action while commanding his platoon during combat operations near the Mukhayam Mosque in Karbala, Iraq on May 16, 2004, and was decorated with the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his valor and sacrifice; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that the 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia expresses its deepest appreciation and thanksgiving for the service and sacrifice of Leonard M. Cowherd III; and be it Further
Resolved, that this Council expresses its deepest sympathy to the Cowherd family and stands with them in this time of terrible loss; and, be it further
Resolved, that this Council holds Leonard, Sarah, Len, Mary Ann, Colby, Charles, and Laura in its prayers; and, be it further
Resolved, that this Council requests the Secretary of the Diocese to forward this resolution to Sarah Cowherd and the Cowherd family.
Submitted by
Sarah R. Bartenstein, Delegate from St. Mary’s, Goochland
Henry D.W. Burt
William R. Browning
Whereas, Mary Tyler Freeman Cheek McClenahan served God and her fellow human beings with love, courage, intelligence, wit, and abundant grace; and
Whereas, She has inspired and encouraged several generations of her fellow Virginians to work to overcome racial discrimination and reduce the misery of the poor, and
Whereas, Mary Tyler died January 17, 2005;
Resolved, That this 210 th Annual Council of the Diocese of Virginia praises God for the extraordinary life and witness of Mary Tyler, and extends to her husband, her family, her congregation, and her many friends our most heartfelt sympathy at her passing.
Submitted by the Resolutions Committee
Whereas, Our faithful bishop of over 20 years, the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, will undergo heart bypass surgery on Monday, January 31; now therefore be it
Resolved, That we the people of the Diocese of Virginia pray for successful surgery and full healing for Bishop Lee, we pray that his surgeons and caretakers exercise to their fullest the healing skills given to them by God, and we pray for comfort and care for his wife Kristy and their family.
Submitted by the Resolutions Committee
CR-13 The Rt. Rev. David C. Jones
Whereas the Rt. Rev. David Colin Jones was suddenly called upon to lead this Council by the impending surgery of the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee; and
Whereas Bishop Jones has dispatched this call with efficiency and grace; nowtherefore be it
Resolved that we give thanks for Bishop Jones’ leadership and presence among us.
Submitted by the Resolutions Committee
Whereas, the Rt. Rev. Francis C. Gray has served the Diocese of Virginia with vision and energy for seven years, and
Whereas, Bishop Gray inspired us to renewed missionary endeavors; and
Whereas, Bishop Gray has announced his retirement in 2005; now therefore be it
Resolved, that we thank him for his ministry and presence among us, and extend our love and best wishes to him and to his wife Karen for a happy and relaxing retirement and a fruitful new ministry.
Submitted by the Resolutions Committee