[Taxman]

I'm with the parishioners on this one -- they paid for the church facilities so I believe they own the church facilities.

There is already legal precedent (California, I believe) for a local church to leave the parent congregation and keep their property. And, I believe that there is conflicting case law (not sure of the state).

This will be an interesting case to armchair quarterback.

[Kolokotronis]

Here's a SCOTUS decision worth reading on the subject of the power of courts over hierarchial churches.

http://www.justia.us/us/426/696/