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
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
South Carolina Elects Change Expert as Bishop
By Mark Michael The Rev. Canon Ruth M. Woodliff-Stanley, an expert in strategic change, was elected on May 1 as the XV bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina, the first woman to serve in that role. Stanley, 58, was chosen on the second ballot from a field of five candidates. Woodliff-Stanley’s consecration on October 2 will mark the end of nearly a decade during which … [Read more...] about South Carolina Elects Change Expert as Bishop
Five Candidates for Bishop Announced in S. Carolina
By Kirk Petersen The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, which has not had a full-time bishop diocesan since 2012, has announced a slate of five candidates to become the XV Bishop of South Carolina. The winner will inherit a diocese of 30 congregations and a protracted lawsuit over the ownership of half a billion dollars in property. The candidates, in alphabetical … [Read more...] about Five Candidates for Bishop Announced in S. Carolina
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
Wyoming Elects Bishop; Roundup of S. Ohio, Va., S.C.
By Kirk Petersen The Diocese of Wyoming has elected a well-traveled new bishop. The Rev. Canon Paul-Gordon Chandler, currently a rector in Qatar, was elected the X Bishop of Wyoming on the second ballot on September 19, out of a field of three candidates. He will succeed the Rt. Rev. John S. Smylie, who has served since 2010. "I am profoundly humbled and look forward … [Read more...] about Wyoming Elects Bishop; Roundup of S. Ohio, Va., S.C.
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