Christ Church at center of lawsuit, controversy

Saturday, August 14, 2010
By W. WINSTON SKINNER

The "Mother Church" of Episcopalianism in Georgia has sharp divisions that reflect national trends in that denomination -- and have led to a protracted lawsuit.

There has been unrest in some Episcopal churches and even dioceses across the country because of issues with the national Episcopal Church body including the decision a few years ago allowing openly gay men and women to be ordained. The deep divisions made the Top 10 list of stories for the Religion Newsrwriters Association annual list in 2008.

New congregations have been formed across the country -- including New Life in Christ Anglican Church in Newnan and All Saints Anglican Church in Peachtree City -- that have aligned themselves with more conservative groups. All Saints is aligned with the Anglican Church in North America, the Convocation of Anglicans in North America and the American Anglican Council.

Generally, church properties have remained with the congregants who are part of Episcopal Church dioceses affiliated with the national body in New York.

Christ Church in Savannah, however, is an exception -- at least for now. the rest