Episcopal diocese sues Syracuse parish in property dispute
July 20, 2006, 11:45 PM EDT

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) _ The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York sued one of its parishes Wednesday to stop any transfer of church property in a dispute over homosexuality in the church.

The court action stemmed from a rift in the diocese after Bishop Gladstone Adams voted in favor of the 2004 consecration of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, said a parishioner involved in the case. Robinson's appointment created a schism in the Episcopal Church because he is gay.

Raymond Dague, a parishioner and lawyer representing St. Andrew's Church, said his parish is more traditional than the diocese and the issue of homosexuality in the church has been a "lightning rod" for the division.

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