Breakaway Christ Church appeals to state supreme court

From Savannah-

Leaders of Christ Church of Savannah are asking the Georgia Supreme Court to reverse a decision earlier this week granting ownership of the historic building and property to the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.

Christ Church member and attorney Neil Creasy said church officials filed a notice of appeal Thursday in Chatham County seeking to reverse Superior Court Judge Michael Karpf's ruling Tuesday granting the diocese "immediate possession" of the church property.

Creasy said the process should allow the congregation to remain on the property in Savannah's historic district until the state Supreme Court responds. "This is another step in what we knew would be a long process," said Christ Church rector the Rev. Marc Robertson in a written statement released Thursday afternoon.

The Diocese of Georgia followed up with a statement Thursday saying the appeal was expected. "We are confident that the Superior Court ruling was the correct ruling, and we look forward to the Georgia Supreme Court affirming that," said the Rev. James Parker, spokesman for Bishop Henry I. Louttit. Creasy said Christ Church officials felt encouraged to continue the battle for church property by a recent South Carolina Supreme Court decision ruling in favor of a Pawley's Island parish that broke away from the Diocese of South Carolina.

More here-

http://savannahnow.com/news/2009-10-30/breakaway-christ-church-appeals-state-supreme-court