An attorney for the U.S. Episcopal Church said that the California Supreme Court ruling will be influential in other similar property disputes across the country.<\/p>\n
“This was a thorough and conclusive ruling,” said Episcopal Church lawyer John Shiner.<\/p>\n
Bishop Jon Bruno, head of the 85,000-person Los Angeles Diocese, said he was “overjoyed” with the ruling and hoped it would prompt reconciliation talks with the three churches.<\/p>\n
“I’m a Christian and I believe there is always the possibility of reconciliation,” Bruno said. “It has been devastating for both sides.”<\/p>\n
A lawyer for one of the breakaway churches, St. James, said it will continue to fight for control of the property despite the ruling.<\/p>\n
“St. James holds the deed free and clear,” attorney Eric Sohlgren said. “The Episcopal Church hasn’t contributed a dime to St. James in 50 years.”<\/p>\n