Church walks away from Episcopal diocese

From San Diego-

The Rev. Canon Lawrence Bausch expects to surrender the keys to his Ocean Beach church to the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego on Thursday, closing a chapter in an international conflict intensified by the election of an openly gay bishop.

The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson’s consecration seven years ago in New Hampshire underscored a cleft in the worldwide Anglican Communion. About 350 congregations have since voted to leave the Episcopal Church, the U.S. branch of the communion, and align themselves with more conservative Anglican leaders overseas.

The rift has tested personal and professional relationships, spurred protracted court disputes over church property and prompted efforts to create a rival North American province.

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The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego sued St. John’s, St. Anne’s and Holy Trinity, arguing that it had held control of the parish buildings for decades. The courts ruled against those congregations.

The St. John’s and St. Anne’s buildings were reclaimed in April 2009 and July of this year, respectively. The diocese also was granted summary judgment against Holy Trinity.

When fledging congregations petitioned to join the Episcopal Church, they agreed to be bound forever to its rules, said Chancellor Charles Dick, chief legal adviser to the local Episcopal bishop.

Holy Trinity was allowed to stay through Friday in exchange for surrendering the property, returning bank accounts and agreeing not to file an appeal, Dick said.

“I think they saw the handwriting on the wall,” he added.

More here-

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/dec/28/church-walks-away-episcopal-diocese/