Va. Supreme Court to Hear Property Case Appeal

From The Living Church:

Posted on: October 16, 2009

The Supreme Court of Virginia has agreed to hear the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia’s appeal in a continuing struggle over church properties.

Both sides in the dispute issued statements that repeat their core arguments. The diocese maintains that a Virginia law permitting congregational control of property is an intrusion of government into freedom of religion.

Member congregations of the Anglican District of Virginia agree with the rulings of Fairfax County Circuit Judge Randy Bellows.

“I believe that this law is unconstitutional and that there is too much at stake to let it remain in effect,” said the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, Bishop of Virginia, in a letter he issued in anticipation of the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments for the appeal. “The legal struggle to secure our right to organize as we choose and safeguard our churches from those seeking to seize them has not been easy. This journey has been a long one, but now more than ever we must all gather around those who need us most at this difficult time.”

“We continue to be confident in our legal position and in the rulings of the Fairfax County Circuit Court. These rulings, among other things, found the Virginia Division Statute constitutional,” said Jim Oakes, vice chairman of the Anglican District of Virginia. “While we are, and have been, prepared to continue to defend ourselves, we are ready to put this litigation behind us so we can focus our time, money and effort on the work of the gospel.”