CofE warned of legal action if it tries to 'steal' churches from Rome parishes

A leading bishop has warned the Church of England it could become embroiled in costly legal action if it tries to "steal" churches from traditionalists ready to defect over the the introduction of women bishops.
By Martin Beckford, Religious Affairs Correspondent
01 Aug 2008

The Rt Rev John Broadhurst, Bishop of Fulham, claims most of the church's assets once belonged to the Roman Catholic Church.

He says it would be "legalised theft" if the Church of England tried to keep buildings used by Anglo-Catholics who may defect to Rome after its governing body voted to bring in women bishops without special concessions for traditionalists.

Anglo-Catholics have already said they hope entire parishes will be accepted into the Roman Catholic Church while keeping their existing churches, a move which would be strongly resisted by the Church of England and would inevitably lead to legal disputes. the rest