HELMETTA, NJ: New Precedent Set in Episcopal Church Property Settlement Wars

from VirtueOnline

From Canon Lawyer Raymond Dague: This is a landmark case because it is the first amicable negotiated purchase from an Episcopal diocese of a formerly Episcopal Church by an Anglican Church since Katherine Jefforts Schori became the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. Much credit for this deal goes to the Episcopal Bishop who sold, The Rt. Rev. George Councell, and the Anglican rector who bought, Fr. Bill Guerard.

HELMETTA, NJ: New Precedent Set in Episcopal Church Property Settlement Wars
St. George's Anglican Church to retain property following historic settlement with The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
December 23, 2010

In a landmark decision, the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey has settled out of court with St. George's Helmetta allowing the parish to leave the Episcopal Church, keep its property and join with another Anglican jurisdiction.

Details are sketchy, but it is understood from a source that a down payment of $30,000 was made by the parish with periodic payments to be made over the next several years.

NJ Bishop George Councell, a liberal, has shown himself to be gracious in demonstrating that deals can be cut without expensive litigation costs. VOL was told by a source that his chancellor and Episcopal leaders at church headquarters in New York City were not supportive of his actions, but he stood up to them and settled with the parish.

Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org