Virginia's reputation for intolerance has been burnished lately by the anti-gay and anti-female activities of 11 breakaway Episcopal churches.
The American Episcopal church, of which I used to be a member, has long been considered gay-friendly and strongly supportive of women’s rights. And by and large, that remains true. But eleven congregations have broken away in Virginia to join an alliance headed by the virulently anti-gay Nigerian Episcopal bishop, including the historic Truro Church and Falls Church in northern Virginia.
For some history on the breakaway churches see: http://en.wikipedia.org/... http://www.holysmoke.org/... http://www.washingtonpost.com/... )
In a New York Times editorial today, that paper discloses the true evil of the Nigerian bishop, who is a leader of a movement to harass and imprison gays in Nigeria. http://www.nytimes.com/... The legislation being considered in Nigeria would add to the law that already makes homosexual acts between consenting adults illegal and would impose five-year sentences on same-sex couples who have wedding ceremonies — as well as on those who perform such services or attend them. Also prohibited -- any public or private show of a "same sex amorous relationship" — a vague law that would invite abuse and subject suspected gays to whimsical arrest. The proposed law also would make criminal all political organizing on behalf of gay rights. The NYT editorial fears that "in a country with a dauntingly high rate of H.I.V. and AIDS, the ban on holding any meetings related to gay rights could make it impossible for medical workers to counsel homosexuals on safe sex practices."
Let’s wish the mainstream, tolerant Episcopal Church in Virginia success in retaining its properties, which the homophobic and sexist breakaway congregations want to own. A long legal battle is expected.
Some commenters below have correctly pointed to articles showing that right wing money seems to be funding not only the Episcopal schism but also attacks against liberal theology in other mainstream Protestant sects. I recommend following the links in those comments.