Members of a small church in southeast Virginia get dressed for worship each week, enter the facility — then strip to their skivvies, or even less.
White Tail Chapel pastor Allen Parker told a local NBC affiliate that the nude worship services provides an air of equality.
“There’s not a feeling that you have to be better than one another, physically,” the pastor said. “We’re humans, we have scars, we have what we have … it’s learning to love and accept that.”
The chapel is on the grounds of the White Tail Nudist Resort in Ivor, Va., about 60 miles south of Richmond. Upwards of 10,000 people visit the church each year.
Not all members sit completely nude, however; some go topless, or wear their undergarments. Those who do strip down, though, say the experience is well worth the initial discomfort.
“Some of the biggest moments in Jesus’ life was naked,” Mr. Parker said in 2010. 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?”
Katie Church and husband Robert said they found the atmosphere so welcoming, they got married in the church.
“People are more open as far as hearing the word of God and speaking the word of God,” Mr. Church told the station.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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