CHATHAM COUNTY tax documents show the Protestant Episcopal Church owns six local properties. Christ Church is not one of them.
Both the Bull Street church building itself, and the nearby structure that holds the parish house, offices and children’s school are owned by the Christ Church wardens and vestry.
That’s an important bit of information, considering the local congregation’s recent announcement that it intends to separate from the Episcopal Church of the United States.
Christ Church, the 274-year-old “Mother Church of Georgia,” has had a long-running dispute with church leaders over scriptural issues.
Nationally, much press has been given to arguments over the ordination of women, the blessing of same-sex marriages and the ordination of practicing homosexuals into the ministry.
However, Christ Church pastor Rev. Marc Robertson said those issues are not central to the local church’s concerns.
Instead, they focus on the greater Episcopal Church’s unwillingness to unequivocally back such basic tenets as the authority of scripture, the divinity of Christ and the availability of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.
American Episcopal leaders have been fairly heavy-handed in addressing those concerns.
Quick glance – by jove, they got it right…..good reporting….
Wow. powerful editorial. Amazing to see a local paper side with the concerned parish in this way. Of course Christ Church is somewhat unique in its history and the strength of its claim to its property. But still, we loved the fact that the editorialist caught the painful irony that TEC is allowing local option on doctrine, refusing to enforce authoritative teaching, and yet demanding strict adherence on matters of property and throwing around its authority.
Cheers for a great story!
So, does that mean that if ECUSA wins the property, they are guilty of tax fraud or failure to pay back taxes?
all i can say is woo hoo! we have a good chance of winning this one! i agree, cheers for a great story!
(from a comment I made on SF)
Interesting article where the rights of the congregation appear to be locktight given its long term ownership, total responsibility and its tax status. Perhaps the church could strengthen its case against any likely litigation by not affiliating with any AC connected church such as putting iteslf under an African or South American Province but remaining a independent parish as until such time when the North American Anglican Province is formed.
This writer ‘gets it’. The issue is not simply a sexual issue but:
“Instead, they focus on the greater Episcopal Church’s unwillingness to unequivocally back such basic tenets as the authority of scripture, the divinity of Christ and the availability of salvation through Christ’s sacrifice.â€
Bill C, I’m no expert in these matters, but I believe not afflilating with an AC connected church would, logistically, at least, be breaking with Communion. The one thing that all churches in the AC do have in common is Apostolic succession through affilitation under a Bishop in the AC. Christ Church’s affiliation under the Province of Uganda keeps them in Communion. That pertains to the Clergy also. It’s only a matter of time before TEC inhibits the Christ Church clergy but that won’t matter because they still have authority under another Bishop.
Others have commented that perhaps +Louttit’s diocese in not exactly flush, so long term legal affairs will probably involve 815 sending funds to pay the bills.
This could become quite expensive, for 815 & GA cannot allow their crown jewel to scarper off with impunity, unless their action acts *pour encourager les autres* and others try the same.
How many cases can 815 afford to try at the same time?
If as this and other stories are correct, insofar as the deeds, tax records and incorporation papers are concerned, then it seems to this layman that the parish is in a strong position.
Sounds oddly like the same basic legal argument All Saints Pawley’s Island claims….Perhaps SC should take note of the writer’s point.
[blockquote] It would show greater moral and ethical fortitude for the bishops to simply wish Christ Church well as its members work to pursue a fulfillment of scripture as they understand it.
Given its mission, how can the Episcopal Church ask Christians to do otherwise?[/blockquote]
But it’s futile to expect moral or ethical fortitude or any other regenerate behavior from unregenerate pagans and heretics in positions of ecclesiastical power.
In additon to spiritual support, are there congregations in this diocese who will refuse to have their funds used to pay for litigation against Christ Church and those who follow?
Anglican Scotist has written a detailed critique of the reasoning of the clergy and vestry and other members of Christ Church, Savannah that is well worth reading: http://anglicanscotist.blogspot.com/.
The critique is good but Anglican Scottist has his Rectors mixed up. He’s quoting the Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Savannah, thinking that’s the Rector of Christ Church. It’s not. Although St. John’s Rector is definitely supportive of Christ Church’s situation. St. John’s vestry, as is indicated in the Rector’s letter have not made any such vote to leave TEC.
See [url=http://new.kendallharmon.net/wp-content/uploads/index.php/t19/article/6616/]http://http://new.kendallharmon.net/wp-content/uploads/index.php/t19/article/6616/[/url], specifically:
“The breach has now come to Savannah, in the decision by the Vestry of Christ Church to secure its future in the Faith, in the Anglican Communion, by placing the parish under the pastoral care of John Guernsey, a Virginia priest recently made bishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda in North America. This decision, made in conscience, cannot have been easy to make, and it deserves respect even from those who disagree with it. [b]St. John’s Vestry has made no such decision, but I can testify to our respect for theirs; and also our continuing fellowship with them in the historic faith, and in “the bonds of affectionâ€.[/b] . . . .
–The Rev. Gavin Dunbar is rector, Saint John’s, Savannah”