The Rev. Jim Lewis, canon to the ordinary of the independent Diocese of South Carolina, attended the convention as an observer and reiterated the need to keep identities distinct.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday\u2019s special convention was clearly a source of great joy for those attending, and understandably so,\u201d\u009d Lewis said in a statement to The Post and Courier. \u201cAs we have often said, The Episcopal Church is more than free to establish a new diocese in South Carolina. What the court ruling this week says, though, is that they can\u2019t do that and claim to be us.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
At a news conference Saturday, Jefferts Schori would not speak about current litigation or future court battles over property that are almost certain to ensue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe challenge is always to recognize that our work is God\u2019s work,\u201d\u009d she said. \u201cThe work of the courts is to help resolve differences when faithful people haven\u2019t done that themselves.\u201d\u009d Church property, she said, \u201cis a legacy, it\u2019s a trust\u201d\u009d that transcends generations and particular conflicts.<\/p>\n