Tag: Dioceses

While phase one of the process involves the applicability of the 1867 statute, Judge Bellows will also rule on a second phase involving arguments on the constitutionality of the statute itself. The contesting sides submit written briefs to Bellows to argue this question in the next few weeks. A ruling on these two phases is expected January 17, 2008. The third phase will ensue when the claims of each of the 11 defecting congregations will be heard case-by-case.

The Diocese of Washington’s fourth annual online Advent calendar will make its debut on December 1. Beneath each “window” in the calendar, visitors will find a photograph of one of the figures from the annual crèche exhibit at Washington National Cathedral and links to a daily meditation, a daily carol (courtesy of Trinity Church, Wall Street) and a giving opportunity (most of them culled from Episcopal Releif and Development’s annual catalog.)

A two-week trial began Tuesday in Fairfax County Circuit Court that will determine whether the 1867 law governs the dispute between 11 Virginia congregations that voted to leave the church and Episcopal leaders who reject the validity of those votes. At the time of enactment of the law, Protestant churches had been torn apart over slavery and abolitionism, and the splits were never amicable or formally recognized by both sides. Ironically, the Episcopal Church was an exception.

In its press release announcing the move the diocese states, “in accordance with Colorado law, which requires that all essential persons be included in a suit, the Episcopal parish and diocese are requesting that the court add as parties those individuals who have led the secessionist group in taking the property.”

The Diocese of Chicago reports that the Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, from Medina, WA, was elected on the second ballot.

Trial Regarding Virginia Division Statute (Va. Code § 57-9) By agreement of the parties, the Court determined that it would first address issues related to the applicability and interpretation of the Virginia statute under which the congregations claim to be entitled to the property. The trial is scheduled for trial November 13-15, 19-21, 2007.

Joel Connelly, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and a member of St. Augustine’s in the Woods on Whidbey Island in Washington state, writes about being a delegate to the convention of the Diocese of Olympia (western Washington). He raises the issue of the voting power of large cities in a diocese of small towns.

South Carolina Bishop Ed Salmon spoke during the day-long gathering and participated in a question-and-answer panel that closed the day. Forum President Lynn Pagliaro read the letter of greeting from Lawrence in which the bishop-elect said in part that it was his “firm conviction that in Christ’s reconciling work we shall find the key to our unity.”

Bishop Howe of Central Florida: “The Diocese is bound to work within the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church which state that a Parish holds in trust all real and personal property for the benefit of the Diocese and The Episcopal Church. … We cannot and will not abandon those who wish to remain as members of The Episcopal Church and we will work diligently to determine whether in fact there is a sufficient number of Episcopalians in a given congregation to constitute a viable continuing congregation able to meet and worship in its own current facilities.”

The Living Church rounds up developments at recent diocesan conventions. California: Of trial rites for same sex blessings in Bishop Andrus said, “the resolution writers