Monday, October 05, 2009

The Supremes Step Up

October 5, 2009

from The Bishop's Office
Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

Statement from the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, Bishop
Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

October 5, 2009

The Diocese of Los Angeles greatly appreciates the action and insight of the U.S. Supreme Court in declining to hear the case decided earlier this year by the California Supreme Court affirming that the property of St. James' Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, is held in trust for the current and future mission of this Diocese and the wider Episcopal Church.

I reiterate that reconciliation and renewal in Christ continue to be our priorities in this matter, with our baptismal covenant calling us to respect every person's dignity.

The U.S. Supreme Court's action today follows the strong and comprehensive opinions issued by the California Court of Appeal and affirmed by the state Supreme Court.

St. James' Episcopal Church was established and continues as part of the Diocese of Los Angeles in which the congregation was formed in 1946.

The Episcopal Church continues to live out its traditional mission of welcoming people who hold a diversity of opinion while remaining united in common prayer.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

I respect the dignity of trespassers, but I want them the hell off of my real estate all the same!

Grandpa said...

"I want them the hell off of my real estate ..."

Nice show of Christian charity, John.

Elizabeth Kaeton said...

Of course, the litigation hath not ended, but this is an important statement by the Supreme Court. The definition of 'win' for these folks is making TEC spend money on litigation so they can complain about how much money TEC is spending on litigation.

Talk about your 'nice show of Christian charity' Grandpa.

Unknown said...

What charity, Christian or otherwise, have they ever shown us?

Here are the facts, Grandpa, THEY left; they made an informed, considered decision; they gambled they could take the Church's real estate with them and they lost.

Life's a b*tch, ain't it?

Mitchell said...

Thank God I am an Atheist!