But [Judge] Goodstein ruled, and reaffirmed this month in order denying reconsideration of her ruling, that adding the parties to the lawsuit with new counterclaims \u201cwould unduly complicate this matter, especially at this state of the litigation.\u201d\u009d The judge noted that the request to add the parties had already been denied by the court three other times.<\/p>\n
Her ruling was appealed this week to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, putting the trial, for now, on hold.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are disappointed that The Episcopal Church filed another appeal, but not surprised,\u201d\u009d said a statement from Jan Pringle, a spokeswoman for The Diocese of South Carolina. \u201cThis is the 4th time they have attempted to unnecessarily add additional parties.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
She said the diocese has filed a court response and hopes that the trial will not be delayed. She noted two of the people named in the motion no longer have leadership roles in the diocese.<\/p>\n