FAIRFAX, Va. (October 10, 2008) – The Anglican District of Virginia (ADV) welcomes two new member congregations, Christ Church, Emporia, Va., and Grace Church, Purdy, Va.
 
“We are excited to announce these two new congregations as it shows the continued growth that orthodox Anglicans are experiencing in Virginia.  Considering the legal challenges some ADV members are facing for choosing not to follow the direction of current leadership within The Episcopal Church, this shows that Christians are willing to take a stand for Biblical truth and the authority of Scripture.  We look forward to participating in ministry with Christ Church and Grace Church,” said Jim Oakes, vice-chairman of ADV.
 
The Rev. Colin C. Cooper has been the Rector of both congregations for over 14 years.  “We are committed to preaching that life transformation can only be found in Christ Jesus and showing others how to experience authentic Christianity.  We are thrilled to join this growing movement of orthodox Anglicans in Virginia and throughout the country,” he said, adding that both congregations were founded around 1840.
 
“Grace Church and Christ Church are faithful and caring congregations that have a deep commitment to reaching out with the love of Jesus to their communities,” said Bishop John Guernsey, who is overseeing the two Church of Uganda congregations. “The gracious pastoral ministry of the Rev. Colin Cooper and the strong lay leadership of the two Vestries will be great additions to the ADV family.”
 
“We welcome our new brothers and sisters from Southern Virginia.  Orthodox Christianity is on the rise in Virginia and throughout the country.  It’s more important than ever that orthodox Anglicans realize that there is a larger ecclesiastical body for them to join.  ADV provides that haven, and we are energized by the growth we are seeing,” said ADV Contact Bishop David Bena.
 
With the addition of these two new congregations, ADV now has 23 member congregations.
 
The Anglican District of Virginia (www.anglicandistrictofvirginia.org) is an association of Anglican congregations in Virginia.  Its members are in full communion with constituent members of the Anglican Communion through its affiliation with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), a missionary branch of the Church of Nigeria and other Anglican Archbishops.  ADV members are a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a community of 77 million people.  ADV is dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to make disciples while actively serving in three main capacities: International Ministries, Evangelism, and Strengthening Families and Community.  ADV is currently comprised of 23 member congregations.