This website is dedicated to helping Episcopal congregations and their clergy answer an important question: Can orthodox, biblically committed congregations continue to remain affiliated with The Episcopal Church in the U.S.; or has the time come to seek alternative affiliation with some other branch of Anglicanism?
The contents of this site are designed to help introduce and guide congregations through a prayerful and reasoned process lasting about 40 days to discern a way forward through the Episcopal crisis. Much of this site's content comes from the 96-page book, 40 Days of Discernment, which was authored by many different people from several Virginia congregations and other experts during the summer of 2006. You will also find links to various resources that will aid the discernment process.
40 Days of Discernment™ is intended to be a process for congregations to seek the Lord's will for their place within the Anglican Communion, as well as their expressed relationship with The Episcopal Church in the United States. The process is designed to be one that encourages people to seek Jesus Christ:
- personally and in community
- through the Word and the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit
- through prayer and fasting
- in honesty, openness, and sincere faith
- with compassion for one another
Why 40 Days of Discernment?
Many of us are in different places regarding the Episcopal crisis. There are those of us who are newcomers to Anglican Christianity and simply long to get on with the gospel mission. Others have grown up and lived their entire lives in The Episcopal Church. For some, the direction ahead is clear and easy. For others, it is unclear, and perhaps a painful and difficult road. Congregations need a way to discuss one of the most important decisions they will ever make. In the end, it is not what each individual wants to do that matters. It is the Lord's will that congregation's seek. This process represents a serious attempt to seek his will in this challenging time.
How Does it Work?
The intention is to seek consensus among the members of the congregation. This may mean that there is not complete accordance with individual desires. We are seeking true, corporate consensus toward our best direction during these times that some see as complex, confusing, and filled with change. The vision is simple: we will come together to study the scriptures, pray with one another, listen to each other, and seek to hear and trust the Lord together as the body of Christ. 40 Days of Discernment™ includes the following tools:
- Small Groups
- Weekly Sermons
- Daily Reflections and Prayer
- Special Worship Gatherings
- Openness to Parish Feedback
- Congregational Meetings
- A Week of Prayer and Fasting
What Materials are Available?
40 Days of Discernment™ centers around a 40 Days Guidebook, with content written by local Christian thinkers on critical topics of concern. The
guidebook is designed to facilitate small group discussion and includes
thoughtful presentations on the following topics:
- Understanding the Crisis
- The Importance of Being Anglican
- An Intractable Conflict?
- Truth and Unity
- Grieving, Healing, and Change
- Choosing Our Future
Additional materials will be available at the Vestry table at Truro Church and The Falls Church on a regular basis, including book lists, white papers, news announcements and other literary resources
What Do I Need to Do?
Engage in the process by joining a small group and committing yourself to
seeking the Lord in study, prayer and community.