RICHMOND, Va (WTVR)- The Congregation of a historic church where George Washington once worshiped is being told they have to leave. Late last month a circuit court judge in Fairfax ruled that The Falls Church Anglican building must be returned to the Episcopal Diocese.
That means this Sunday, the congregation will have their final services in the building, which dates back 278 years.
Members of the church broke away from the diocese in dispute over theology and homosexuality. A judge initially said they and several other breakaway congregation could keep their church buildings and property.
The Virginia State Supreme court overturned that ruling back in 2010.
An Episcopal congregation of around 200 members will move into church and begin worship on Sunday, May 20, 2012, said Henry D.W. Burt, Secretary of Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.
“We wish the Falls Church Anglican well, but at the same time we are thrilled Falls Church Episcopal is returning to their church home after these long years of exile,” Burt said.
