Watch Video: Nude Worship Service?: Church Invites You To Bare More Than Your Naked Soul - Pastor And Congregation Naked As They Worship God + Photos

 

The church, located on the grounds of the White Tail Resort in Ivor, Virginia, focuses on casting off material concerns, including clothes. White Tail Resort describes itself as a "Family Nudist Community," where visitors can

enjoy all manner of activities, including spiritual worship, completely au naturel. 

Watch video below:

White Tail Resort: Family Nudist Community

Pastor Allen Parker told ABC 13 that many of Jesus' most important moments happened while he was naked. "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," he said. "If God made us that way, how can that be wrong?"

Katie and Robert Church even got married here-- with Robert saying his vows in the nude. The couple told NBC 12 that White Tail Chapel lacks the "pretense" sometimes found at other places of worship.

"People are more open as far as hearing the word of God, and speaking the word of God," said Robert. He explained that nudity is a great equalizer, as it becomes impossible to judge someone based on their expensive or shabby clothes if they simply aren't wearing any.

"I consider this a gift and a privilege God has given me," Parker told ABC 13. "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."

So if you're inspired to worship the way God made you, head over to White Tail Resort. First-time nudists get a free pass.

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.