St. George's, Helmetta: New Precedent Set by NJ Church Property Settlement

St. George’s Anglican Church, Helmetta, NJ, to Retain Property following Amicable Settlement with The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey

Helmetta, NJ.
December 23, 2010
(via email)

St. George’s Anglican Church, a former Episcopal Church congregation which disaffiliated from its former denomination, has negotiated with the Diocese of New Jersey to retain its church buildings and tangible property with complete independence from The Episcopal Church (TEC). The congregation is now affiliated with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) under Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns and the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) under Archbishop Robert Duncan.

“We are extremely grateful that the congregation of St. George’s Anglican Church is able to retain its property. This is an incredible blessing and witness to others that Christians can resolve these matters amicably. We are also thankful that the church has been able to maintain a cordial relationship with the Diocese of New Jersey. I trust and pray that St. George’s Anglican Church will continue to serve the Lord through mission and ministry for many years to come,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.

The final sale of St. George’s church property took place on Tuesday, November 23, 2010.

In early January and February of 2008 the former Episcopal congregation, then known as St. George’s Church in Helmetta , NJ , cut its ties to TEC and the Diocese of New Jersey because of theological differences. Fr. William Guerard, St. George’s parish priest, maintained an amicable relationship with Bishop George Councell of the Diocese of New Jersey throughout the division.

Fr. Guerard was able to transfer to CANA as an ordained Anglican priest without being required to renounce his ordination vows — unlike many other Anglican clergy from other dioceses who have left TEC for CANA and other Anglican groups.

Beginning in January, 2009, St. George’s Anglican Church began negotiations with the Diocese of New Jersey which finally ended in an agreed monetary settlement.

Fr. Guerard reflects on the settlement saying, “Our constant prayer throughout these two years has been for God’s will to be done. We are all thankful that this has been accomplished peacefully, and we pray it will set a precedent for other churches going through similar situations.”

“Let us return to the work of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus our Savior who has come to bring us light, peace, and salvation,” continued Fr. Guerard. (picture by Raymond Dague-attorney for St. George's)

Now on the CANA website