The two sides have agreed not to lobby undecided members and to issue no media releases “concerning the disaffiliation except what counsel for the Leavers and Stayers agree upon.”
The leavers, who include most of the ordained clergy including the Rev. Canon Lorne Coyle, rector, retain sole operational authority of the plant until the date of separation. If the continuing Episcopal congregation later decides that it cannot afford to maintain the church plant, the Leavers have the first right to purchase the property.
Although I wish the Leavers were keeping the Church – it does seem a much more Christian effort at separation than what we have continued to see.
This seems to be fair and Christian.
I wonder if Bishop’s Howe’s expressed willingness to transfer the canonical licenses of the priests involved to another province will have repercussions down the road.
What a pity that such arrangements are the exception and not the norm. Giving the Leavers first refusal, if the Stayers can’t make a go of it, seems by far the best arrangement. The Leavers know where and why they’re going – finding new acccommodation isn’t going to present too much of a problem.
I wonder if this signals a change in KJS’s scorched-earth policy forbidding sale to congregations that have transferred to another Anglican body.
The transfer of clergy licenses also seems a softening change of heart.
…Unless “allowing” Bishop Howe some leeway in these matters is a “reward” to keep him in the loyalty column.
Whatever the reason, it’s welcome relief from the usual distressing stories we hear when separations occur.
I still think that it’s unfair to the congregation’s majority, and that Florida needs to apply corporate law in settling church property disputes, just like it does in other property disputes.
w.w.