The Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota’s decision to close nine Pine Ridge Reservation churches and reduce services at two others had ended up in Oglala Sioux tribal court.
Members of 11 churches also want the diocese to be prevented from deconsecrating buildings and cemeteries in the process.
The papers were served Nov. 24 in Sioux Falls but had not been signed by a tribal judge as of Nov. 25. The plaintiffs want a hearing to stop the closures, which were planned for Nov. 30.
Ah, the delicious irony. Churches suing the bishop to keep themselves open. Usually these days its the other way around, Bishops suing churches to keep the empty building.