Posted on 08/18/2005 3:43:43 PM PDT by sionnsar
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is going to fight for its real estate:
Citing a unique statute not available in many states, the Superior Court in Orange County issued a ruling August 15 that an effort by the Episcopal Church in the United States and the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to preserve property claimed by the seceding congregation of St. James’ Church, Newport Beach, was an attempt to impede the congregation’s freedom of speech.
The matter will immediately be appealed.“Although we are disappointed in the court’s conclusion, this is simply an initial step in a long process,” said John R. Shiner, chancellor of the diocese and its lead attorney in the property matter. “We believe the court’s order was clearly in error, and indeed takes the law to a new level not supported by precedent. We are entitled, under these unique circumstances, to an immediate appeal, which we intend to vigorously pursue.
Along with protecting a really good investment and what could be a profitable sale when the remaining congregants can't make a go of it, J. Jon Bruno will pay any price and bear any burden to defend the sanctity of ECUSA's canons.
Bishop J. Jon Bruno of Los Angeles concurred. “Along with the national Church, we have committed ourselves to these proceedings,” he said, “to ensure compliance with our canons and to preserve property rightfully belonging to the national Church and the diocese.
Besides, their free-speech argument is a steaming pile of Griswold sermons.
“As anyone familiar with the circumstances understands, this is not an issue concerning freedom of speech, but simply one that addresses who is the rightful owner of the property in question,” said Bruno. “We have never disputed that members of the departing congregations are free to worship how they wish, and with whom.”
The problem is, Double J, that if those congregations stay in ECUSA, they're forced
once a year to admit into their parishes a man who holds views that they find apostate and heretical. Abominations, even. If they manage to make it through ECUSA's absurdly convoluted Delightfully Easy to Pound the Orthodox(DEPO) process, which they are also forced to do, they might, somewhere down the road, eventually get a bishop who shares their views. Temporarily. Freedom of speech your pointy hat, Double J.
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. I still think this is all choregraphed..The Diocese can't cave right away....it has to pretend to make some effort to appeal..but they really don't want those empty parishes nor the financial drain they will cause..
Beg to differ. Despite unique features of California law, this could set a precedent and embolden more orthodox parishes to take the next step. The apostates and atheists within ECUSA seem fully prepared to take a scorched earth policy to avoid that.
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