My letter to Christ Church after they removed memorials to Washington & Lee

Dear Rev. York-Simmons:

As a retired US veteran, a retired VA employee, and an amateur historian, I am appalled, heartbroken, and saddened by the myopic decision to remove the memorials to two Christian Americans at Christ Church.  It truly is a sad day in American when historical remembrances which have been in place for decades are all of a sudden deemed “unwelcoming.”  At least their tombs are not located there, for I would not doubt a decision would be made to exhume their mortal remains and deposit them in some field.

Having served on active duty for over 24 years, I must truly admit that this decision has made me and my entire family feel totally “unwelcome” at Christ Church–a sentiment which I am sure many other patriotic Americans share.  Moreover, the intentional removal of these plaques certainly means that there is no need whatsoever for me or my family to visit Christ Church should we travel to northern Virginia.

Apparently, the Episcopal Church in America in its attempt to be “welcoming” have alienated most Americans by removing historical plaques and memorials honoring some of our greatest American Christian heroes. I certainly hope this decision by the staff of Christ Church will increase your dwindling numbers; however, I doubt such will happen as those who may have felt “unwelcome” by the plaques are certainly not a majority and more than likely would not attend Christian worship services.

It is apparent that those who made this inane decision do not care what I, my family or the majority of patriotic Americans think or cherish.  They do not care about our feelings and the sadness we feel when we think of what has occurred.  Is provoking such feelings Christ-like, loving or welcoming?  I think not.

When will the decision be made to remove the Cross or the Scriptures at Christ Church because they are “unwelcoming?

Thank you for your time.  May God bless your efforts as you minister to His people.

Sincerely,

Dr. Arnold M. Huskins
Major, USAF, Retired