In a dispute over property caused by breakaway congregations in Virginia from the Episcopal Church, the Fairfax Circuit Court issued its ruling in favour of the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church
“Our goal throughout this litigation has been to return faithful Episcopalians to their church homes and Episcopal properties to the mission of the Church,” said the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, bishop of Virginia.
The court ruled that the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia have “a contractual and proprietary interest” in each of the properties subject to the litigation. The court ordered that all property subject to its ruling be turned over to the Diocese.
“We hope that this ruling will lead to our congregations returning to worship in their church homes in the near future, while finding a way to support the CANA congregations as they plan their transition,” said Henry D.W. Burt, secretary of the Diocese and chief of staff.
Bishop Johnston added, “While we are grateful for the decision in our favour, we remain mindful of the toll this litigation has taken on all parties involved, and we continue to pray for all affected by the litigation.”