The convention in Detroit of this year has brought this to a head; Gramsian Marxists have wormed their way up the hierarchy and now have the institution under their control. It mirrors what's going on in the nation as a whole.
I attend a fairly conservative (for the PCUSA) church and there are people interested in getting out from under them. The grounds and building is just one issue-- although I think the institutional superstructure would think twice about assuming ownership of so much property in the current market. Add this to the equation: local building codes could come into to play when the keys are turned over. In much of the Northeast, renovations could reach to a million or more. My guess is that the Institution would be far more amenable to an equitable settlement if the congregations pushed back.
The other issue is the pastor's retirement. I don't think they should be able to renege on a contract, but they're bound to try if the pastor stays with his now-independent congregation.
I'm not sure how that would work out. Does anyone know?
When you speak of “Gramsian Marxists” are you talking about this guy?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Gramsci
“have wormed their way up the hierarchy and now have the institution under their control.”
Just like they have wormed their way into every other institution and are working hard every day to undermine at the core.