Bishop Ingham told synod that “we do not seek litigation, but if all appeals to reason and responsibility fail, we may need to seek relief from the civil courts in order to re-build and restore these parishes after the departure of their leaders and some members of their congregations.”
He said the diocese intends to “act legally to retain all property and assets belonging to these parishes and to the diocese” since schism, which is the “setting up of unlawful authority” cannot be allowed to stand.
Cheryl Chang, legal advisor to the breakaway Anglican Network in Canada, wrote on the network’s Web site that “with respect to the issue of ”˜trespass,’ it is difficult to see how the diocese can claim to be an ”˜owner’ or ”˜landlord’ when they are not on the title to the property, do not control the corporation that holds the title and never ”¦ used the property except with permission of the parish corporation.”
Clergy named in the letter did not return phone calls seeking comment, however a posting on the network’s Web site said parish lawyers and trustees are deciding how to respond.
“We do not seek litigation, but if all appeals to reason and responsibility fail, we may need to seek relief from the civil courts”
—Bp. Ingham
Wow! Imagine Bp. Ingham appealing to “reason and responsibility.” That will be interesting.