Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee sues to reclaim church

St. Andrew's Parish group won't surrender Woodmont building
By Bob Smietana
THE TENNESSEAN
November 1, 2009

Bishop John Bauerschmidt of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee has been hoping that God would resolve a conflict between the diocese and St. Andrew's Parish in Nashville.

But the dispute is now headed to court.

At issue is the future of St. Andrew's Parish and the church's property at 3700 Woodmont Blvd. in West Nashville.

The Rev. James Guill, rector of St. Andrew's, says his congregation left the Episcopal Church and joined a breakaway Anglican diocese based in Quincy, Ill. They claim to have taken the deed to their property with them.

The bishop disagrees. He says that St. Andrew's is still an Episcopal church. Guill and church members can vacate the building and join any group they want, said Bauerschmidt, as long as they leave the church keys by the door when they go.

"Parishes don't have the option to leave the diocese," Bauerschmidt said. "People can do whatever they want. But a parish doesn't have that option." the rest