UPDATED: Comment from Tobyn Leigh of the former Episcopal Diocese of Quincy (now part of the Diocese of Chicago). Leigh is Senior Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, Galesburg, IL, a congregation currently removed from its property and meeting in a Congregational Church building. She was a member of the Quincy steering committee to reorganize the diocese in 2009, and served on the Diocese of Quincy Standing Committee from April 2009 until Sept. 1, 2013, when we reunited with the Diocese of Chicago, and a Deputy to General Convention in 2009 and the chair of the deputation in 2012:
“The people of the former Diocese of Quincy, (now Chicago) are resilient. Although we are deeply disappointed in Judge Ortbal’s ruling, we move forward, keeping our eyes on the Lord and the work He has set for us to do. For we are convinced that nothing, certainly not a court ruling, will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, Adams County, Illinois has ruled on the property dispute between the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy (TEC) and the Diocese of Quincy (DOQ). From the Conclusion:
Based upon the foregoing, the court finds in favor of DOQ on its complaint for declaratory relief and against TEC and EDQ on their counterclaim for declaratory relief. The court directs the attorneys for DOQ to submit a proposed declaratory judgment order within seven days of the date of this opinion and order.
The court has concluded that the supreme and ultimate authority of the General Convention over the property of the DOQ cannot be constitutionally determined.
From p. 15
The court finds, therefore, that the declaratory relief that TEC seeks and the deference to the actions of the General Convention, Presiding Bishop and Bishop Buchanan cannot be legally enforced in this action.
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As stated above, the court finds that DOQ met its burden of proof, in its case in chief, that it has title and ownership of the accounts and deed titled in the Trustees. Reviewing its actions under neutral principals of law, DOQ established its withdrawal from association with TEC was compliant with the applicable corporate charter, bylaws, as amended, as well as the not for profit corporation laws.
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