After voting to leave, the 11 churches placed themselves within a Virginia-based branch of the Church of Nigeria — another wing in the Communion.
The Virginia diocese is arguing that there was no division, but rather that individuals unhappy with the Episcopal Church chose to leave. The diocese and the national church, which are both parties in the case, say that the Episcopal Church is hierarchical and therefore a “division” can only happen if there is a vote of its governing body.
But those on the breakaway side say it was the Episcopal Church that “left” by letting stand the 2003 installation of a gay bishop in New Hampshire. The national church “has willfully torn the fabric of the communion at the deepest level,” attorney Steffen N. Johnson said yesterday in his opening argument.
They called as witnesses two U.S. church historians to discuss how church disputes were settled at the time the law was passed.
Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Randy I. Bellows has said he will rule on this case next month. Regardless of how he rules, a second trial will be held on lawsuits brought by the diocese and national church against the breakaway churches. That action asks the Circuit Court to declare the diocese the rightful owner of all property. The suits also asked the court to force the breakaway congregations off the 11 properties, which they have occupied since the votes in December and January.
Bellows’s ruling in the first trial will help whichever side he rules for in the second, representatives on both sides said.
So, when will he give his ruling?
“Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Randy I. Bellows has said he will rule on this case next month.” Second to last paragraph.
2, that’s what the article says. I’m not sure that’s what the Court has said.
Thanks, Henry. I need to do a better job of skimming before I ask.