From BabyBlue via Stand Firm:
Thursday, October 16, 2008
It's been learned tonight that Bishop Peter James Lee and the Diocese of Virginia have requested that Christ Church Alexandria deed all their church property personally to the Bishop of Virginia.
A congregational vote is scheduled for this Sunday.
According to the current rector of Christ Church, Pierce Klemmt and Senior Warden, Rawles Jones, "the Diocese has asked Christ Church to quitclaim its interest in the property to the Diocese." In a letter sent to members of the congregation, they write that "The Vestry has considered this course of action and recommends it to the Congregation."
The Diocese of Virginia is pursuing the people of Christ Church Alexandria to turn control of their property over to the Bishop of Virginia in Richmond.
It seems quite obvious with this action that The Episcopal Church (TEC) is deeply concerned that there will be more defections from the diocese once Judge Randy Bellows issues his final ruling in November or December. The fact remains that property held in trust by the congregation belongs to the congregation and not to the diocese or The Episcopal Church in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
It appears that TEC and the diocese has finally figured this out and seeks to take control of congregations in the diocese.
Unbelievable.
While The Episcopal Church and the diocese say they are going to appeal the ruling (and Judge Bellows hasn't even issued his final ruling yet - amazing) it is clear that the bishop is seeking to take control of properties held in trust by the congregations before the appeals process begins, lest more congregations vote to depart with their property.
This also does not bode well for the "shadow" congregations set up by the diocese either, since the diocese does not control the properties where the congregations have voted to separate from The Episcopal Church and join another branch in the Anglican Communion.
The vestry of Christ Church Alexandria has incredulously consented to the diocese's "request" and will put forward the following resolution to the congregation of Christ Church Alexandria this Sunday, October 19 at 10:15 a.m. and will encourage their congregation to vote to turn over all "right, title and interest in and to the Property to Peter James Lee, in his capacity as Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Virginia, and his successor Bishops."
It might behoove members of the congregation to get themselves a lawyer not in the diocese's pocket and get one now.
And Pohick - are you next?
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