History muddies battle over church

An update on the Virginia property dispute. Christ Church will deed its property to the dioceses.

And on Sunday in Alexandria, members of the historic Christ Church voted overwhelmingly that, should it be proved their parish owns part of the Falls Church land, they wish to deed it to Virginia Episcopal Bishop Peter J. Lee. When asked about the nature of the vote and an exact tally of "yes" and "no" votes, senior warden Rawles Jones said "no comment." The court hearing - and the church vote - is part of a multi-trial lawsuit that has lasted a year and is thought to be the largest property lawsuit in Episcopal Church history.

When conservatives left the denomination in late 2006 and early 2007, they took millions of dollars of property with them, including property dating back to Colonial times. Circuit Judge Randy I. Bellows has ruled against the diocese several times, saying the conservatives have a right to the property, thanks to a unique Virginia state "division" statute dating back to the Civil War. The diocese, in turn, has reached back to Colonial times to help establish a claim to the land.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/21/history-muddies-battle-over-church/