Supreme Court Won’t Hear California Parishes' Appeal

Posted on: October 5, 2009

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal of a property case involving the Diocese of Los Angeles and the leaders of two breakaway congregations — St. James, Newport Beach, and St. David’s, North Hollywood.

A ruling in January by the California Supreme Court had sent the case back to the Orange County Superior Court. Leaders of St. James said on Monday that the legal battle will continue for the long term.

“We look forward to having the trial court rule on a written promise from the Episcopal Church in 1991 that they would never lay claim on our property,” said the Rev. Richard Crocker, senior pastor of the congregation. “Our members have engaged in much prayer in order to discern God’s will for our congregation and what his call might be for us. We believe God has asked us to stand steadfast for his gospel as well as to remain steadfast on this legal battlefield.”

“The Diocese of Los Angeles greatly appreciates the action and insight of the U.S. Supreme Court in declining to hear the case decided earlier this year by the California Supreme Court affirming that the property of St. James’ Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, is held in trust for the current and future mission of this diocese and the wider Episcopal Church,” said the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, Bishop of Los Angeles. “I reiterate that reconciliation and renewal in Christ continue to be our priorities in this matter, with our baptismal covenant calling us to respect every person’s dignity.”

This article comes from The Living Church Foundation
http://www.livingchurch.org/

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