VIRGINIA BEACH
A public sidestreet that crosses the Rock Church campus in Kempsville will be renamed John Gimenez Drive to commemorate the church’s late co-founder.
Bishop Gimenez, 76, died in February, 40 years after he and Anne Gimenez, his wife, created Rock Church. He was a nationally known Pentecostal preacher who organized several mass evangelical rallies in Washington, D.C.
Anne, who succeeded her husband as Rock’s leader, said her church asked the city to rename the portion of Manor Drive that bisects the Rock property fronting Kempsville Road. The request was approved and the name change becomes official on July 1.
The change does not affect the remainder of Manor Drive or the addresses of residents on that street.
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Reality
God and politicks don't mix.Churches don't pay taxes.So why name a street after a preacher?!
Phrog
Thank you for the explanation. Glad you clamed down. Yes I can respect that, and I respect your comments. You are indeed thoughtful and express yourself in an excellent manner. I look forward to your future comments on other subjects!
Outraged???
I never said I was "outraged". I am simply making a point. I think you are the one who is taking it to the next level. I am very calm and collected as I sit here typing this.
Let me make this plainly and perfectly clear...I agree with remembering a person who has made a profound impact on the community. That is NOT my point. Name a street after him. Name a monument after him. I don't care...name the next mall or freeway after him. I agree.
I'm just not altogether sure that it is APPROPRIATE for the CHURCH to petition this based on the basic christian biblical principals. That is all. No hyper-ventalating. No temper tantrums. Just an opinion. Do you think you can respect that?
Phrog...
I'm sorry but it's you that isn't getting the point, it's silly to be outraged over something so trival. Get a grip. I think we should name a freeway after the gentleman! Or a court building! Just kidding Phrog, stop hyper-ventlating!
Now it's getting petty...
Anyone can nominate a street name change in this city, and either it's approved or denied by the CITY, not the church. I don't see what the big stink is here because the section of side street in question doesn't even have houses on it! No one on the street in question even has to change their street address! I'm a life-long resident of the beach and know little about the reverend, but I simply don't see what the big deal is here.
D Kent...
Perhaps you did not read my entire post. I did mention that if the city made this proposal that it would be a totally different perspective. But it is the church that is pushing it. That is where my arguement rests.
I have no doubt that Bishop Gimenez did some great and wonderful things for the surrounding community. And he should be remembered in a very appropriate way. If the city wants to name a street after him, then let them decide. But when the church is making this petition to the city, it crosses the boundries of biblical faith and I simply question the appropriateness of that part.
Is this akin to idol worship? Don't be silly!
This isn't IDOL worship, it's citizens taking action. This isn't my faith but I can see that this man had a very positive effect on VA Beach. What does it hurt to call a side street after him. He did work hard in the community for 40 years.
Let's find something else to gripe about like the heat
Is this akin to idol worship?
"Thou shalt make no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3
I'm sure that Bishop Giminez was a wonderful human being and a man who truly loved Jesus. But this all really sounds like the congregation is worshiping him more than his God. If this was something that the city had put forward on their own volition, it would be a different perspective. But this is the church pushing this forward.