![Court_religionx390_1](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/court-religionx390-1.jpg?id=32723864&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Virginia's supreme court ruled Thursday against nine congregations that split from the Episcopal Church after a series of doctrinal disputes that arose over the 2003 installation of an openly gay bishop.
The unanimous decision by the five-judge panel dismissed a previous lower-court ruling and found the Civil War-era law governing how property is divided when churches split was wrongly applied to this dispute.
"We continue to be confident in our legal position as we move forward and will remain steadfast in our effort to defend the historic Christian faith," Jim Oakes, chairman of the umbrella organization of local Anglican congregations, toldThe Washington Post. "Ultimately, we know that the Lord is in control and our congregations will continue to put our trust in him, not in secular courts or buildings."
The panel sent the parties back to a Fairfax County circuit court for a second, similar case that focuses on who owns the properties.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Joe Biden sends queer lawmakers & LGBTQ+ allies to Paris Olympics
July 24 2024 12:08 PM
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM
'Devastated:' A six-week abortion ban will go into effect in Iowa next week
July 23 2024 2:28 PM