Court rules church's land belongs to departed paris

From The Washington Times. No other state has a "Division Statute".

To date, Judge Bellows has dealt three consecutive defeats to the diocese and the denomination in their bid to retain millions of dollars of property held by the nine churches. A Civil War era statute unique to Virginia known as the "division statute" - which allows a departing congregation to hold onto its property - has been key to the AD's victories. The most dramatic testimony may be given Thursday, when the diocese will argue that the Falls Church, a 276-year-old congregation attended by George Washington shortly before he became president, belongs to the Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria.

Rest is here

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/15/court-rules-churchs-land-belongs-to-departed-paris/