Passage of a bill to require the owner of church property to be clearly stated in the deed or trust agreement would violate long-held principles of law and could lead the state down a “slippery slope” of becoming entangled in church affairs, religious leaders told a House panel Thursday.
The measure could result in state officials meddling in matters of congregational employment and membership, said the Rt. Rev. Edward Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, in a statement read by his chief of staff, the Rev. Jose McLaughlin.
Also, the measure ”” which was proposed during this year’s session until its author, Rep. Pam Peterson, pulled it ”” could result in several congregations filing lawsuits against the state, Konieczny said.
Well, is this bill pending or not? And sorry, it’s not a violation of the 1st Amendment to have the owner of realty clearly stated on the deed.
This is truly confusing….in many ways. The church leaders don’t want the law as it would involve the State in church matters. And the churches in turn run to the courts in the State to sue the parishes over property. Make up your mind: you want the State involed or you do not want the State involved?
A simple answer: put it in the Deed or issue a valid Trust instrument. Duh! Statmann
Or do we resort to private justice? May we suggest the 2nd Amendment option?
Yes, the last thing we want is clarity on who owns a piece of real estate ….