[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/

[PAR35]

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

Here's one more on point:

http://www.justia.us/us/443/595/case.html
JONES v. WOLF, 443 U.S. 595 (1979) (Vineville Presbyterian)

Generally, Calfornia has been ruling for the local congregations, Pennsylvania has been ruling for the Bishops, and there isn't enough out there from the other states to predict.

I do know that the higher authorities held actual title to some of the Florida properties; in those cases the locals are going to lose. I don't recall about this particular church.