Virginia Supreme Court to hear Episcopal case

By Julia Duin
Oct. 15, 2009

Ever since the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church went down to defeat almost a year ago in their efforts to retain the historic properties of several departing congregations, they've been threatening to appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court.

It's not a given that the appellate court will take a case. The court has to be convinced that the petitioners may have a point in their argument that the lower court may have erred. A hearing was slated for Oct. 21 for the diocese to explain why its arguments should be heard. But on Wednesday, the Supreme Court notified the diocese it will hear the appeal, rendering the writ panel hearing unnecessary. the rest