“We understand that both Washington and Lee lived in times much different than our own, and that each man, in addition to his public persona, was a complicated human being, and like all of us, a child of God,” reads a letter issued by the church board.

The historic Episcopalian Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia, has decided to rip out a plaque that honors the nation’s first President George Washington. The church quotes Hebrews 13:2 to explain the move.

The church is also removing a plaque that memorializes Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Both of the plaques, which indicated where the two men sat when they attended services there, were erected in 1870, according to The Republican Standard.

“We understand that both Washington and Lee lived in times much different than our own, and that each man, in addition to his public persona, was a complicated human being, and like all of us, a child of God,” reads a letter issued by the church board. “Today, the legacy of slavery and of the Confederacy is understood differently than it was in 1870. For some, Lee symbolizes the attempt to overthrow the Union and to preserve slavery. Today our country is trying once again to come to grips with the history of slavery and the subsequent disenfranchisement of people of color.”

The church initially considered taking out only Lee’s plaque, but later added Washington because he owned slaves.

The church board quotes Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

The letter seeks to explain that “Christ Church lives into this call, feeding the hungry with our Lazarus ministry, welcoming the stranger in our refugee ministry, and inviting all to worship with us.”

It continues, “The plaques in our sanctuary make some in our presence feel unsafe or unwelcome. Some visitors and guests who worship with us choose not to return because they receive an unintended message from the prominent presence of the plaques.”

It adds, “Many in our congregation feel a strong need for the church to stand clearly on the side of ‘All are welcome — no exceptions.’

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