By Kirk Petersen The Bishops of South Carolina are talking. After nearly a decade of property litigation and millions of dollars of legal costs, the leaders of rival dioceses in South Carolina have held ongoing talks since they met each other for the first time on April 21. They hope to avoid further conflict among Christians over the ownership of property. These are … [Read more...] about New Bishops Seek “A New Season” in South Carolina
Diocese of South Carolina (ACNA)
South Carolina Property Ownership Is Scrambled Again
By Kirk Petersen The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled unanimously on April 20 that some but not all of the disputed properties currently occupied by entities associated with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) belong, instead, to the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, affiliated with the Episcopal Church (TEC). In a 36-page decision, the court ruled that 14 of … [Read more...] about South Carolina Property Ownership Is Scrambled Again
Top S.C. Court (Again) Hears Property Arguments
By Kirk Petersen The Supreme Court of South Carolina held yet another hearing December 8 in the nearly decade-long litigation over ownership of dozens of church properties. The case pits adversaries affiliated with the Episcopal Church (TEC) against parties affiliated with the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Half a billion dollars of property is at stake, including … [Read more...] about Top S.C. Court (Again) Hears Property Arguments
Alex Dickson, 95, 1st Bishop of West Tennessee
By Kirk Petersen The Rt. Rev. Alex D. Dickson, Jr., the I Bishop of West Tennessee who after retirement left the Episcopal Church to join the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), died November 14 at the age of 95. At the time of his death, Dickson was bishop in residence at St. Michael's Church, a large ACNA diocese in Charleston, South Carolina. The Anglican Diocese of … [Read more...] about Alex Dickson, 95, 1st Bishop of West Tennessee
S. Carolina Court to See Case It Thought It Settled
By Kirk Petersen The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, which has been locked in litigation for nearly eight years with what is now known as the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, on November 12 asked the state Supreme Court to settle the matter once and for all. The high court might be forgiven for believing it already settled the matter three years ago. At stake … [Read more...] about S. Carolina Court to See Case It Thought It Settled
Judge Is Asked to Overrule Himself After Overruling Higher Court
(Updated with comment from the ACNA diocese) By Kirk Petersen Ten days after a state circuit court judge essentially overruled the South Carolina Supreme Court, the Episcopal Church (TEC) has asked the judge to reconsider, saying the judge exceeded his authority. On June 19, Circuit Court Judge Edgar Dickson ruled that 29 disputed church properties rightfully belong to … [Read more...] about Judge Is Asked to Overrule Himself After Overruling Higher Court
TEC Loses in Latest South Carolina Property Decision
By Kirk Petersen The confusing saga of church property litigation in South Carolina grew even more confusing on June 19, as a state circuit court appears to have reversed what was thought to be the decision of the South Carolina Supreme Court, to which the circuit court is subservient. Circuit Court Judge Edgar Dickson ruled almost entirely in favor of the parishes now … [Read more...] about TEC Loses in Latest South Carolina Property Decision
Judge Rules “Diocese of South Carolina” Belongs to TEC
By Kirk Petersen Update: A message posted on the ACNA website reads in part: "Lawyers for the diocese are reviewing the ruling and will be discussing next steps with Bishop Mark Lawrence and the Standing Committee. The diocese will be working in the coming days to come into compliance with this order. In the state case regarding ownership of property, on … [Read more...] about Judge Rules “Diocese of South Carolina” Belongs to TEC