There is a church in Ivor, Virginia about 61 miles from Richmond,
Virginia whose members do not wear clothes to church. They worship in the nude. The pastor and congregation have taken the statement "Come as you are" very literal.
Unlike most churchgoers, people who attend Whitetail Chapel don't
have to worry about finding something to wear on Sundays because
clothing is optional for the pastor and the congregation.
Allen Parker, the pastor of Whitetail Chapel said, "Jesus was
naked during some of his most important moments.When he was born he was
naked, when he was crucified he was naked and when he arose he left his
clothes in the tomb and he was naked. If God made us that way, how can
that be wrong?" Pastor Parker further stated that the church is
family-oriented and the members are very involved in helping others.
The pastor concludes by saying, "I consider this a gift and a
privilege God has given me. They're caring, they're understanding, and
they're community and family oriented. We have one of the most involved
chapels anyplace around. I'll put our church up against others around."
Richard Foley, a congregant said, "I really don't think God cares what you wear when you worship."
Sabrina, a member of Whitetail says, " I have been a member of this
church and it is just the same as a "normal church." I have sat in this
chapel and the services are moving. You will not be turned away even if
you go with clothes on. Whitetail Chapel is made up of regular people."
A male member of the church said, "As for God, God would rather you
be in church naked, piously worshiping and being a spiritual person with
good morals than being out sinning and spreading hate with your clothes
on."
Other members at Whitetail Chapel say they have no problem getting
the word of God from a pastor in his birthday suit because they focus on
worship and not on what he is wearing or not wearing..
The Whitetail Chapel is part of the Whitetail Nudist Resort, the only
year-round nudist resort in Virginia. It has been in existence since
1984 and is reported to be increasing. More than 10,000 people visit
each year and the percentage goes up each year.
"Obviously, we're doing something people like," said Michael
Dougherty, the Whitetail Nudist Resort office manager. Visitors say
being a nudist is about being free from societal judgments. It's a
stress-free environment where everyone is equal and there's no pressure
to be anything other than who you really are.
Watch the Video HERE
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