In advance of the October 6th trial the Diocese of Virginia made news by announcing in a statement that it plans an appeal of the 57-9 “Division Statute,” and in order to move expeditiously to appeal it will not contest “the validity and fairness of the voting procedures used by the CANA congregations.” As a result, “In a trial beginning on October 6, the Court will examine precisely which property is subject to the Division Statute petitions filed by CANA congregations.”
The basis of the appeal will be freedom of religion and the constitutionality of 57-9:
The Diocese is steadfast in its goal of returning faithful Episcopalians to their church homes and restoring the full and time-honored protections of the First Amendment and the Virginia Constitution for religious freedom.
“The court proceedings of the past several months have shown that the Division Statute, which exists only in Virginia, is uniquely hostile to religious freedom and our faith. We are resolute in our commitment to pursue every avenue in seeking the return of Episcopalians who have been exiled from their church homes,” said Bishop Lee.
The full statement is available here.