In our denomination, we always joke about the “conference arsonist” paying a visit, when we see ramshakle buildings that have been allowed to degrade over the years.
A congregation could do a couple of things, imho, that are strategies rather than solutions.
While they are still in “good standing” with the ECUSA, they could enter building programs in which they totally sell off old buildings, and enter into expensive mortgages on new facilities. The ECUSA is more than willing to take over property that is paid for and located in lucrative neighborhoods.
They wouldn’t be excited (or able) to take over huge debt. And being the ultimate “trust” holders, the ECUSA would have to divest itself of the burden (sale) or take some position in court that their “trusteeship” is of a nature that doesn’t include the type of real ownership that involves financial liability.
That, of course, could be used against them in the future.
The problem is that in many parishes, up to half of the congregation is there for the millwork and stained glass. They don't have any theology to speak of, and don't really care what is being said in the pulpit, so long as it doesn't run too long.
In many cases, you will end up with a healthier church if you walk away from the buildings and the pew warmers.
I’ve been trying to figure out how that would work too. I wonder what a typical operating budget (utilities, staff, ministries’ budgets, etc) vs the cost of the building and vs parishoners’ donations is. I think the trick would be to use the equity in the building to fund those normal costs while putting the normal donations into an account the diocese does not technically own. After all, that mostly comes in as cash, so is that legally the property of the diocese?
The presiding bishoprix, Katherine Schori, has actually commanded bishops that they cannot sell any property to any departing ex-Episcopal (now Anglican) groups. And her $540/hr. attorney is suing every single congregation who leaves.
I’d like to see a civil rights lawsuit go forward in this, as one is not allowed to discriminate on the basis of religion when it comes to selling real estate...