From Georgia-
The state's Court of Appeals issued a ruling Thursday in favor of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and the national church in their two-and-a-half year property dispute with a breakaway congregation.
A three-judge panel upheld Chatham County Superior Court Judge Michael Karpf's 2009 decision naming the Episcopal Church the rightful owners of Christ Church in Savannah.
Church members and leaders have continued occupying the historic Johnson Square house of worship since voting to leave the denomination in September 2007, when they accused the national church of straying from the Bible.
They now have until July 18 to notify the courts whether they will continue with the appeal.
Christ Church attorney Neil Creasy expressed dismay with the ruling.
"It's unlikely the state Supreme Court will take the case," Creasy said. "It's obvious they didn't want to hear it, and so they sent it down to the Court of Appeals."
The Right Rev. Scott Anson Benhase, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, released a statement Thursday praising the "sound judgement and wisdom of the court."
More here-
http://savannahnow.com/news/2010-07-09/appellate-court-rules-favor-episcopalians-property-dispute
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