State law varies a great deal. In Georgia, for example, the bishop holds all the cards.
I am sorry to hear that, but as a former episcopalian, tell my brothers and sisters in Christ to come join me in the Bible believing Baptist Church.
"slight correction: the church in California is doomed. California IIRC has a presumption that property is held by the parish, or in trust for the parish."
Actually, if this is upheld by the whole court, this is new in California. See my comments below re your second statement.
"State law varies a great deal. In Georgia, for example, the bishop holds all the cards."
Decades ago, the Bishop of N California had the sheriff lock the doors of the E church in Redding, California and won. The sin of the E's in Redding, they were behind on their diocessian assessment. The area was in rough financial times, and they told the Bishop they couldn't pay their assessments.
Hopefully, this case will change how our courts look at the ownership of each parish.