Los Angeles, Calif., Aug 16, 2005 / 22:00 pm
A California judge has ruled that an Episcopal parish who wants to disassociate itself from the L.A. diocese over the denomination’s policy of ordaining gay pastors will get to keep its property.
Judge David C. Velasquez of the Orange County Superior Court ruled that the actions of St. James Parish in Newport Beach were protected by freedom of speech and that they can retain possession of their buildings, property and financial records.
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, part of the worldwide Anglican communion filed the lawsuit against St. James after the parish, along with three others in the area, voted to break off from the U.S.-based denomination over the 2002 ordination of actively homosexual New Hampshire bishop Gene Robinson.
The parish had contacted the Anglican Church in Uganda asking that they be taken under the jurisdiction of that diocese.
Rev. Praveen Bunyan, pastor of St. James said in a statement Monday, that "It is a great relief to the loyal members of our church to ... know that the sanctuary and grounds where we gather every Sunday will remain a safe harbor for us."
The diocese is also pending lawsuits against two other parishes - All Saints' Church in Long Beach and St. David's Church in North Hollywood - for their attempts to separate themselves from the denomination.
Lawrence Ebiner, attorney for the diocese, said Monday that the church has not decided whether or not they will appeal the decision.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA