PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC: All Saints Church Declares Victory in Property Dispute with TEC

From David Virtue-

Dear All Saints Family,

It is over.

After nearly a decade of legal and personal conflict, the issue of the All Saints Church property has been resolved, thanks be to God.

Our Vestry and that of the Episcopal congregation have come to an understanding that ends the case forever and also provides a way for both churches to go forward into the future in faith and service to Christ.

As a result of our agreement, both sides recognize and accept the September 18, 2009, decision of the Supreme Court of South Carolina in which the Court determined that we are the rightful owners of the property and legitimate Vestry for All Saints Parish, Waccamaw.

The Episcopal congregation has taken action to withdraw their Petition before the Supreme Court of the United States. As you may recall, the South Carolina decision was truly remarkable in that it clearly refuted any claim that the Episcopal Church might make on our property through the use of the so-called Dennis Canon.

In a desire to bless the work of God in the Episcopal congregation, our Vestry has made the offer of a financial gift of $375,000 to them to assist in their future ministry in our community.

In addition, we have offered several items that represent their participation in the heritage of All Saints Church. We also have communicated that those members of their congregation who have historic ties to All Saints will be given the opportunity to use the appropriate buildings in the event of funerals, weddings and other pastoral occasions in accordance with the same guidelines and policies that are followed by our own members.

While we indeed see this as good news, the Vestry recognizes that there are some who will be disappointed that we simply did not wait in expectation for the Supreme Court to deny the Episcopalians' Petition for an appeal. Please know that the Vestry has spent hours upon hours prayerfully considering what our Lord would have us do to bring this dispute to an end.

More here-

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=12306