Episcopal split over gay clergy goes back to high court

March 9, 2011
By JON CASSIDY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach went back before the state Supreme Court Tuesday in the latest chapter in its long-running battle with the Episcopal Church.

St. James was one of three Episcopal churches in Southern California to split from the denomination in 2004, after the national church ordained a gay man as bishop in New Hampshire. The Los Angeles Diocese, later joined by the national Episcopal Church, sued St. James after the split, asserting ownership of the church property at 3209 Via Lido.

The state Supreme Court heard the case in 2009, siding with the Episcopal Church. It is now being asked whether the 2009 ruling was meant to be the last word, or whether it was sending the case back for trial in a local court.

The Supreme Court has 90 days to issue an opinion. Attorneys on both sides of the case expect a decision sooner. the rest