Posted on 09/08/2004 8:16:37 AM PDT by RonF
From The Orange County Register
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles filed lawsuits Tuesday seeking to "secure and protect the church properties" at three local breakaway parishes, including St. James Church in Newport Beach.
The suits, filed in both Los Angeles and Orange County, aim to "preserve these churches as houses of worship for faithful Episcopalians as they have been since their founding," Bishop J. Jon Bruno said through his attorney.
The parishes, also including All Saints in Long Beach and St. David's in North Hollywood, broke from the Episcopal Church USA last month over a variety of differences, particularly the church's ordination of an openly gay bishop. The churches, which realigned with the Anglican Church of Uganda, insist they independently own their parish properties.
We are deeply disappointed that the (diocese) has rejected the possibility of a peaceful resolution," parish leaders said in a written statement. They said they had not yet had an opportunity to review the lawsuits.
END
Statement in Response to the Lawsuit Filed on Sept. 7, 2004, by the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
We are deeply disappointed that the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has rejected the possibility of a peaceful resolution. Instead, the Diocese has filed senseless and intolerant lawsuits against three local churches in an attempt to confiscate their property and buildings.
The local churches hold the deeds to these properties, and hundreds of church families have raised money to acquire and build them. We are amazed at the callous disregard of the religious rights of hundreds of families who overwhelmingly voted their conscience to disaffiliate from the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Los Angeles.
The Diocese notified the media of these lawsuits today, not the three churches or their attorneys. After having an opportunity to review the lawsuits, the three churches will have further comment.
St. James Church, Newport Beach, Calif.
All Saints' Church, Long Beach, Calif.
St. David's Church, North Hollywood, Calif.
The L.A. Diocese is suing the 3 churches that have left it for everything they own. Here's a good quote from Bishop Bruno:
"The suits, filed in both Los Angeles and Orange County, aim to 'preserve these churches as houses of worship for faithful Episcopalians as they have been since their founding,' Bishop J. Jon Bruno said through his attorney."
Oddly enough, I'll bet that this is exactly what the people leaving the diocese think as well; that they are preserving them for faithful Episcopalians.
Sad. Just as suspected though, the gay activists went after a denomination where they could control the money and property.
Positively Orwellian speech from Bruno. I wish I found it more shocking, but it's standard operating procedure with that bunch. I'm sure they have a pious explanation why lawsuits are part of a "ministry of reconciliation."
If what I hear is true, these parishes probably have more money than the diocese does.
The more interesting question has to do with the role being played here by Frank Griswold and his elves at 815. We know they're involved, and we have to address their response in light of the upcoming Lambeth Commission report, with which Frank is apparently going to be dismayed.
It seems clear that their strategy (which is actually just a continuation of the present strategy) is to force congregations to choose between their properties, and their faith -- and now also, between their properties, and identity as Anglicans (as opposed to members of the ECUSA).
I would say that the parishes that actively support the actions of GC 2003 and that welcome parishioners who engage in homosexual acts as not being sinners thereby have little concern about being Anglican. Those that do not support such will consider themselves Anglican and will split from the ECUSA.
Those parishes that are split on the question will probably split over this issue. The majority will get the buildings, etc., and the minority will have to decide whether it's worth it, or (in light of various scriptural references on how Christians should settle disputes among themselves) whether it's even moral to go to court.
Those parishes that took the "it's a diocese's right to chose it's own bishop" will now have to look deeper into this question and make a choice.
Of course, that's all speculation.
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