Episcopal "Church" Sticks it to Falls Church

Virginia Episcopal Bishop Shannon Johnston ordained an avowed lesbian, Jo J. Belser, to the priesthood in the former parish of the Rev. John Yates - at the Falls Church, VA -- even as he talked up "reconciliation" with ACNA priest the Rev. Tory Baucam in front of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in Coventry cathedral recently.

The ordination included a number of men and women one of which included Belser. Belser is the lesbian daughter of a fundamentalist preacher who lives in Alexandria, VA, She said that she joined the Episcopal Church because "it's the only one that lets gay people grow spiritually without requiring that they stop being gay."

Here is an excerpt from Fr. Tory Baucam's response:

First was the ordination of a non-celibate lesbian in the former home of the Falls Church Anglican parish this past December. This was a problem of both menu and venue, of what and where it was done. This kind of ordination, which violates scriptural teaching, caused the Anglican schism in the first place. I believe that holding the service at the Falls Church shortly after they lost their building showed a disregard and lack of respect for the good and godly pastor and the people of the Falls Church. This was a failure to treat others in a way that honors the imago dei in each of us. It was extremely painful to learn of this action and my full sympathy is with John Yates+ and his congregation.

Read it all here.

Related reading: Virginia Episcopal Bishop Double Dips into Apostasy; TEC's Hit List; Virginia Bishop Ordained Avowed Lesbian at Falls Church

VA Senate Approves Ultrasound Before Abortion

The Virginia Senate approved legislation today on a 21-19 vote that requires women seeking abortions to undergo an external ultrasound, not the transvaginal procedure the bill originally would have required. The vote comes after Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) asked state legislators to soften the controversial bill.

Because another amendment was added to the bill on Tuesday, the measure goes to the Republican-dominated House of Delegates for approval before it heads to McDonnell for his signature.