The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida is a community of Christians worshiping in 15 counties of the Sunshine State. Whether you're attending church for the first time or are a longtime disciple of Christ, you'll find the diocese a friendly, welcoming family of Episcopalians united in a love of Christ.
 
Click HERE for Bishop John Howe's 2012 Convention address.

The Diocese of Central Florida elected the Rev. Greg Brewer as the 4th Bishop. Click HERE to read about it.

Click HERE for Bishop-Elect Brewer's 2012 Convention address.

Click HERE for Honduras Bishop Lloyd Allen's 2012 Convention address.

Click HERE for retired Bishop of Western Tanganyika, Tanzania Gerald M'Pango's 2012 Convention sermon.

Diocese of Central Florida rolls out its new Honduras Commission website. Click HERE to see it.

 

Judge Rules in Favor of the Episcopal Church
Excerpts from an article from the Associated Press by Matthew Barakat
January 11, 2012

The Episcopal Church should be restored as the owner of several historic churches in Virginia, a judge has ruled, years after the denomination was essentially evicted by local congregations dismayed with what they viewed as the Episcopal leadership's liberal theology.

In a 113-page ruling issued Tuesday night, Fairfax County Circuit Judge Randy Bellows reversed a ruling he made in 2008 giving custody to the conservative congregations. The Virginia Supreme Court overturned that ruling and ordered a new trial.

At issue is ownership of seven Virginia churches, including two prominent, historic congregations that trace their roots to George Washington: Truro Church in Fairfax and The Falls Church, for which the city of Falls Church is named.

The disputes within the Episcopal Church have raged openly since 2003, when the denomination consecrated an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire. The issues have since broadened to a range of theological issues, including fundamental interpretations of Scripture.

The lawsuit itself has been winding its way through the courts since 2007, shortly after Truro and The Falls Church voted overwhelmingly in December 2006 to break away from the Episcopal Church and align with more conservative groups within the Anglican church.

Henry Burt, secretary for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, said Bellows' ruling Tuesday was one of several across the nation in recent months in which similar disputes have been settled in favor of the Episcopal Church.

Last year, state supreme courts in Connecticut and Georgia ruled in favor of the Episcopal Church. Last month, Episcopalians moved back into the historic Christ Church in Savannah for the first time since 2007 after a breakaway conservative congregation vacated the building in light of the court ruling.

If Bellows' ruling stands, Burt said the Episcopal Church will welcome back all congregants, including those who voted to break away.

"The tagline of the church for the last 30 years has been 'The Episcopal Church Welcomes You,' and that has never been more true than it is today," Burt said.

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, Shannon Johnston, said that "while we are grateful for the decision in our favor, we remain mindful of the toll this litigation has taken on all parties involved, and we continue to pray for all affected by the litigation."

 

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