The Church of the Holy Spirit, a 10-year-old parish in Roanoke, Va., decided at a congregational meeting March 2 not to be part of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia or the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Quigg Lawrence is pastor of the church.

Members of the church have decided to join the Diocese of Shyira in the Episcopal Church of the Province of Rwanda. It will be under the authority of the Most Rev. Emmanuel Kolini, primate, the Rt. Rev. John Rucyahana, diocesan bishop, and the Rt. Rev. Chuck Murphy [p. 8].

Founded primarily by members of a Bible study group who had been members of St. Elizabeth's, Roanoke, the Church of the Holy Spirit had made a temporary decision to leave the Episcopal Church after receiving a letter from the Rt. Rev. Neff Powell, Bishop of Southwestern Virginia, after the diocesan council in February.

Holy Spirit bears little resemblance to a typical Episcopal church. Its letterhead identifies it as "An Evangelical Parish." In its worship, the Book of Common Prayer is not used. Committee chairs are called deacons and some lay staff members have a title of pastor.

The parish has been at odds with the diocese for a number of years. Disagreements have existed over policies of the diocese, its actions and its bishops, but largely over scriptural interpretation.

In his letter, Bishop Powell said, "It is my opinion as your bishop that Church of the Holy Spirit has separated from the Episcopal Church. By withholding financial support, stating that you were taking time to decide if you want to be a part of our household, and not attending annual council you abandoned the communion of the Church."

Offering an open door should the parish choose to remain, the letter asked compliance with eight specific expectations [see box].

Bishop Powell added, "These are normal to being part of the Episcopal Church. This will bring you in line with the rest of the diocese, while still allowing you all to keep your distinct character."

The church's response to the bishop's letter stated, "We are unable to meet all of the eight expectations set out in your letter. We, therefore, believe it best for our parish and for the diocese that we advise you at this time that Church of the Holy Spirit is outside the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia."

The parish says, "Because the church remains Episcopal in affiliation, there will be no change in the order of worship. (It) will continue its tradition as an evangelical Episcopal church."

"The church continues its worship and ministry in the historic Episcopal tradition and theology," Fr. Lawrence said in the release.

The church was one of the largest in the diocese, with weekend attendance of about 600 at three services.

Asked whether the diocese would take the property, Bishop Powell said, "No. I don't think I can." The non-profit corporation, he said, "circumvents the diocesan canon. Even if I were inclined, I can't." He noted that when Holy Spirit "formed the non-profit corporation four and a half years ago, the die was cast"; it showed "at least profound uncomfortableness with the Episcopal Church.

"I'm sad but not surprised," he said, "I wish them well."