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| The Anglican Church of Virginia, est. 2001 582 Simmons Way Front Royal, Va 22630 540.635.5521 larrywjohnson@embarqmail. com |
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| Who Are We Anglicans of Virginia Spiritually and Historically? Click here for the full text and "Our Resolves." We are Christians. We are followers of Jesus Christ. Our faith is an ancient one dating back to the times of Jesus and His Apostles, predating Rome. Our history is traced to the British Isles beginning according to the ancient fathers to the first century, when St. Joseph of Arimathea visited his tin mines at Glastonbury, England bringing the Holy Grail. The first written mention of Christians in Britain is by the historian Quintus Septums Florens Tertullian about 200 AD. He writes of "parts of Britain, inaccessible to the Roman, which had yet been conquered by Christ." Origin writes forty years later that in Britain are "Christians to be found." Evident is abundant confirming this in archaeological discoveries. Our faith was first brought to Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina (USA) in 1587. This colony would become the "Lost Colony." In 1607 Anglicans would settle the first permanent Colony at Jamestown. (Click here for "What We Believe"). |
| Seeking to Unite Anglicans |
| In a stormy sea of change. We are a rock during these unsettled times. We represent a new Anglican Communion called the Anglican Church International Communion. We are not a part of the Episcopal Church, nor the Church of England. We have made significant progress and invite those who feel as we do to join this work of not only preserving, but expanding our faith handed down to us by Cranmer, Riley, Latimer and Laud: all who gave their lives for our Anglican Faith. Our Mission is simple: reach souls for Jesus. We are a Church serving Anglicans of Virginia and around the world to worship in the tradition of men like George Washington and other founders of our Nation. We continue the Faith first brought to our shores and established by Captain John Smith and the Rev. Robert Hunt who came to Jamestown Island in 1607. We use only the traditional 1928 Book of Common Prayer taken from the original 1549,1552 and 1559, Thomas Cranmer's Books of Common Prayer. We are growing and want to assist you in forming a parish. The new Anglican Seminary of Virginia is educating men for the priesthood. And seeks men called to His ministry. Join Us! |
| New feature. Audio Prayer by Bishop Johnson on News Page. The Black Regiment. What was this during the Revolutionary War?Read Today's Editorial for the Answer. Does our Nation cry out again for a new Black Regiment? TO JOIN. Email larrywjohnson@embarqmail.com. |
| Scenes of the Virginia Church in action. |
The Anglican The Official Journal of the Anglican Church of Virginia Today's Anglican Voice A new newsletter for Anglican Women. larrywjohnson@embar qmail.com for the latest editions. Request to be placed on list to receive one or both regularly. Specify preference. |
| ANGLICAN SEMINARY OF VIRGINIA OPENED IN 2004 (ASV Website!) The Council on Accreditation of the ACIC accredited the Anglican Seminary of Virginia at its most recent meeting of the College of Bishops. |
| Top left: Historic Church at Jamestown. Center Top: Bishops of ACIC enter Jamestown Church. Top right: Bishop and Pipers. Bottom left: Anglicans worship in Jtown Church. Center bottom: Archbishop Johnson blesses first Virginia Communion Nun. Top right: Bishop's pipers and drummers. Father Roscoe Porter of Richmond, Virginia and Drum Major leads the way. Click links to Jamestown for pipers and services. |
| Those interested in seminary contact the Bishop immediately. Request new seminary catalog. |
Video of Jamestown Service Celebrating the First Holy Communion in the New World in 1607. Jamestown Click Here Includes a brief presentation by the Anglican Bishop of Virginia The Rt. Rev. Larry W. Johnson Second Video of Holy service (Click Here) celebrated at Jamestown by bishops from around the world. Sound track is sung Gloria in Latin by Cumbee Choir of Holy Redeemer Anglican Church, Lerty, Virginia. |
A word from the
Archbishop for
International Provinces of
the ACIC: Larry Johnson
The historic actions of the
bishops of the "new"
Anglican communion are
a relief and welcomed.
There are now twenty-one
provinces which are
members of the ACIC.
The continuing church has
had less than adequate
success in unifying since
the first Anglicans left the
Episcopal Church in the
1960's and 70's. Now with
other departures we have
another opportunity to
come together. I hope this
is achieved in the coming
years.
The ACIC and ACOVA
have worked towards this
goal and have experienced
wonderful success. Not
only are US bishops
coming together but we
are experiencing
traditional bishops from
around the world who
have the same challenges
and hopes. The ACIC
offers the greatest hope of
unity in my opinion.
Our mission ahead must
be to reach souls for
Christ who are not and
have not been in any
church, but who have
need of the saving grace
of God. As in the
centuries past with God's
help we will succeed.
Bishops interested in this
movement are invited to
ask for information.
Please contact me for
guidance on how to come
into communion with the
ACIC.
Many blessings to you.
In Christ's love,
Archbishop Larry W.
Johnson
International Provinces
ACIC
582 Simons Way,
Front Royal, VA (USA)
22630
Click on "New World
Communion" link above
for a list of ACIC
Provinces and other news.
Archbishop for
International Provinces of
the ACIC: Larry Johnson
The historic actions of the
bishops of the "new"
Anglican communion are
a relief and welcomed.
There are now twenty-one
provinces which are
members of the ACIC.
The continuing church has
had less than adequate
success in unifying since
the first Anglicans left the
Episcopal Church in the
1960's and 70's. Now with
other departures we have
another opportunity to
come together. I hope this
is achieved in the coming
years.
The ACIC and ACOVA
have worked towards this
goal and have experienced
wonderful success. Not
only are US bishops
coming together but we
are experiencing
traditional bishops from
around the world who
have the same challenges
and hopes. The ACIC
offers the greatest hope of
unity in my opinion.
Our mission ahead must
be to reach souls for
Christ who are not and
have not been in any
church, but who have
need of the saving grace
of God. As in the
centuries past with God's
help we will succeed.
Bishops interested in this
movement are invited to
ask for information.
Please contact me for
guidance on how to come
into communion with the
ACIC.
Many blessings to you.
In Christ's love,
Archbishop Larry W.
Johnson
International Provinces
ACIC
582 Simons Way,
Front Royal, VA (USA)
22630
Click on "New World
Communion" link above
for a list of ACIC
Provinces and other news.
We have not removed this article due to the number of questions
concerning this subject.
The Pope has invited Anglicans to join him. Sort of. In reality, it
appears he has made only slight provision for us. What I understand
from my readings about the subject is that our people will be accepted
fully, but bishops will be what is called "ordinariates" or "personal
prelates."
As bishops, that is not perhaps our major concern! What about:
1. Our vows. We took vows as Anglicans, will we now renounce
those vows if we go to Rome?
2. Our spiritual guides. Can we dismiss the Articles of
Religion, or the Canon of the 1928 Prayer Book
3. Our faithful. A shepherd must serve the entire flock. As
Anglican bishops go to Rome, what happens to the remaining sheep?
4. If we are married? It is not yet clear whether a married
Anglican bishop would ever become a bishop in the Roman Catholic
Church.
5. Sheep stealing? Dare I say this? The Pope has called the
people while only vaguely accepting their leaders. This appears to be
sheep stealing, regardless of his claim to the contrary.
A personal concern: As a former member of the Armed Forces, I took
an oath to defend the United States’ Constitution. What I understood
as young Marine was that an oath has no expiration date. How would
swearing allegiance to a foreign sovereign jibe with that?
Disgruntle Anglicans have for years been going to Rome individually;
so have some priests and bishops.
After so many years of conflict and divide in the Anglican Church, I
understand the initial enthusiasm that has burst forth in the Pope's
move to accept Anglicans. It is as if there has been a collective sigh of
relief from the entire body “now we will finally be united.”
But nothing could be further from the truth. There will be "no
compromise" regarding our liturgy; Anglicans will be allowed to use
only bits and pieces. We would give up the Articles of Religion, the
Canon of the American Prayer Book. If accepted, priests and deacons
would have to be re-ordained. Bishops would be "ordinaries" or
"personal prelates" and if approved, re-consecrated. All would be
based upon whether or not they accepted the canons and traditions of
the Roman Catholic Church. These new vows would cause us to
forsake the Anglican Faith.
As Anglicans, we have a heritage as ancient as that of Rome. We have a
Faith as rich and beautiful as any God has ever placed on this earth.
The Anglican Way is as unique as any in the history of civilization.
Anglicans have always taken their faith with them and given it to those
who would abide and listen. There are millions of Anglicans in India,
Philippines, Solomon Islands, Africa, the Caribbean, Mexico, South
America and in many Muslim nations to name a few. All remain
traditional, conservative, Bible believing, evangelistic and motivated to
serve Jesus Christ. It seems we are more successful in these places
than here in the USA.
What are the reports from our ACIC bishops? The feed back from the
American ACIC Bishops is that none desire to accept the offer of the
Pope.
On behalf of ACOVA, what I would propose to the Pope is that we
come “along side” each other, developing a similar relationship as
exists with certain Orthodox churches. We have the same beliefs on the
major moral issues. Our Declaration of Principles is clear on this. It
could be a very simple thing. For example, he, the Bishop of Rome, and
I, the Bishop of Virginia, would determine to communicate and
celebrate the Mystery of the Holy Communion together.
As Anglicans, we already offer communion to Roman Catholics if they
attend our services, but Rome does not allow the reverse. We accept
those who convert if they have been confirmed without having them be
confirmed again. The Roman Church does not. One-half of my
proposal is, therefore, already met.
In view of the Pope’s understanding of the pain that has existed so
long in the hearts of Anglicans, I extend my hand, asking that the Pope
not further the divide, but strengthen the communion.
Until then I will continue to honor the oath as Anglican bishop with full
knowledge that the road is not easy. The Anglican mission is vital and
necessary and will continue to be until Jesus returns. I cannot give up
the trust that God has given me as His bishop. Abandoning the
mission is not an option.
Larry W. Johnson, Bishop
Anglican Church of Virginia
Archbishop
Anglican Church International Communion
WE DECLARE that we adhere wholly to biblical teaching and to the following principles, and thus shall not accept any action or compromise that would weaken or change the faith and traditions of these principles and beliefs, which we hold to be essential to an unimpaired relationship with Jesus Christ and His one holy catholic and apostolic church. 1. We believe in the authority of the HOLY SCRIPTURES as the inerrant Word of God, as summarized by the Creeds, taught by the Fathers, and defined in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, and the Authorized (King James) Version of The Holy Bible, it being the standard translation into the English language. 2. We believe the Nicene and Apostles' CREEDS are binding on every member of the Church as the expression of their specific personal commitment and conviction. 3.We believe HOLY BAPTISM as ordained by Christ, as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, is the seal of our Salvation, and Confirmation by a bishop in the apostolic line is the means whereby we receive the strengthening gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Apostolic tradition. 4. We believe HOLY COMMUNION shall be validly celebrated by a bishop of the Apostolic line, or by a priest ordained by such a bishop, and properly received by those confirmed or ready and desirous to be confirmed. Holy Communion will not be refused to believing baptized Christians of other traditions. 5.We believe HOLY ORDERS of Bishop, Priest, and Deacon are open only to believing men, following Biblical practice, the universal practice of the holy catholic church, and as intended by our Book of Common Prayer. 6. We believe the integrity of the sacramental functions of the EPISCOPATE, and according to the Apostolic model, as evangelists, guardians of the faith, and caring shepherds of the flock, shall be placed above the administrative responsibilities that have so often caused mischief in the churches of former years. 7. We believe the historic BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER is regarded as a doctrinal standard and our common liturgy. We worship according to the 1928 American edition of the Book of Common Prayer, the 1962 Canadian edition, or the 1662 English Book of Common Prayer. We respect liturgical expression established by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer in 1549, and the 1552 version as set forth by the Act of Uniformity, and other national equivalents so far as the faith is kept entire by them. 8. We believe in the unique salvation of Jesus Christ and pledge our commitment to the words of Our Lord Jesus Christ about Himself: "I am the WAY, the Truth, and the Life: and no man cometh to the Father, but by me." 9. We believe that Holy Matrimony exalts marriage between one male and one female as a state particularly ordained and blessed by God. 10. We believe in the sanctity of life; that God giveth and only God taketh away, and that abortion and assisted suicide are sins. ### |
| The Anglican Internet Magazine of the Anglican Church of Virginia and the Worldwide Virginia Communion Vol. X Edition 4 Septuagesima 2010 |
Bishop Larry W. Johnson of Virginia
| A Statement on the Proposal of the Pope The Latest Anglican Divide |
Welcome to the Website of the Anglican Church of Virginia
(ACOVA)!
If you are visiting for the first time and thought you had
reached one of the new breakaway Anglican groups, we
invite you learn about us. Because we are so different, we
think you will be interested to know what we are NOT.
• We are not in communion with the Church of England
or the Episcopal Church, or any of the groups who recently
began calling themselves “Anglican.”
• We do not ordain women or practicing homosexuals to
Holy Orders.
• We do not use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, or
any other alternative book of prayers.
• We do not use whatever hymnal or song book seems
fashionable at the time.
Briefly, in peace we departed the Episcopal religion (leaving
the buildings behind also) to continue to worship the
Anglican way that was been practiced since the time of
Thomas Cranmer of England. We use the orthodox Book of
Common Prayer and not a newly tinkered with book that is
filled with error due to the revisers wanting to accommodate
what today is considered politically correct.
The tenets of our beliefs are contained in our Declaration of
Principles(scroll down to read) which guides the Anglican
Church of Virginia Communion and the Anglican Church
International Communion formed in 2001.
Again, welcome! Please visit regularly to follow our growth
as we seek to save souls around the world and take the
Sacraments to the faithful.
If you have questions or desire to join us, either as a group
or an individual, please contact me.
(ACOVA)!
If you are visiting for the first time and thought you had
reached one of the new breakaway Anglican groups, we
invite you learn about us. Because we are so different, we
think you will be interested to know what we are NOT.
• We are not in communion with the Church of England
or the Episcopal Church, or any of the groups who recently
began calling themselves “Anglican.”
• We do not ordain women or practicing homosexuals to
Holy Orders.
• We do not use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, or
any other alternative book of prayers.
• We do not use whatever hymnal or song book seems
fashionable at the time.
Briefly, in peace we departed the Episcopal religion (leaving
the buildings behind also) to continue to worship the
Anglican way that was been practiced since the time of
Thomas Cranmer of England. We use the orthodox Book of
Common Prayer and not a newly tinkered with book that is
filled with error due to the revisers wanting to accommodate
what today is considered politically correct.
The tenets of our beliefs are contained in our Declaration of
Principles(scroll down to read) which guides the Anglican
Church of Virginia Communion and the Anglican Church
International Communion formed in 2001.
Again, welcome! Please visit regularly to follow our growth
as we seek to save souls around the world and take the
Sacraments to the faithful.
If you have questions or desire to join us, either as a group
or an individual, please contact me.
| Today's Anglican Voice. December Issue. Click Here to Read. Sondra B. Johnson, Lifetime Anglican and Conservative Churchman Shares Her Views and Reports News As She Sees It. |
| Declaration of Principles |
Bishop Larry W. Johnson
larrywjohnson@embarqmail.com
larrywjohnson@embarqmail.com
| Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Martyr and English Reformer, who Produced the Book of Common Prayer Born July 2, 1489-Burned at the Stake March 21, 1556 |
| These tenets set forth our Anglican beliefs and are based upon the faith contained in Cranmer's Book of Common Prayer and the Authorized Version(King James) of the Holy Bible. |
Bishop's
pipers
provide night
of music,
food, dancing
and poetry
readings of
Rabbie Burns
works on
January 23 in
Richmond.
pipers
provide night
of music,
food, dancing
and poetry
readings of
Rabbie Burns
works on
January 23 in
Richmond.
| The people of Haiti need our prayers. See Haiti page(click left) and please give. |
| The African Orthodox Church of Africa and the Anglican Church of Virginia Bishops sign Concordat on the Vigil of Septuagesima. More on "news" page. |
| Bishop of Washington D.C., the Rt. Rev. James Peter Bramhan, and Bishop Larry W. Johnson of Virginia |
Snow storm and temperatures dropping
to four degrees doesn't stop Concordat
penning. Snow scenes. Top: feathered
friend at Evensong finds sunflower seeds in
bishop's front yard. Left below: Celtic Cross at
Seminary covered in snow. Right below: Main
house in snow. Below: A portion of the
Concordat.
to four degrees doesn't stop Concordat
penning. Snow scenes. Top: feathered
friend at Evensong finds sunflower seeds in
bishop's front yard. Left below: Celtic Cross at
Seminary covered in snow. Right below: Main
house in snow. Below: A portion of the
Concordat.
| Photos by Sondra Baker Johnson |
| Anglican Church of Virginia 60 of our church members in Haiti were lost in the Quake as reported by one of priests. There may be more as the count goes on. Visit the our page on the Haitian Church for more information. |