NEWS FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Grace Episcopal Church - Charleston, SC

The Episcopal Church in South Carolina has filed to remove the state lawsuit filed against it to the U.S. District Court, citing statutory and constitutional issues that need to be addressed by the federal court. The Episcopal Church is also a defendant in the suit and has consented to the removal to the federal court.

The suit, originally filed in South Carolina Circuit Court in Dorchester County by a group that is breaking away from The Episcopal Church, now moves entirely  to the federal court system, according to Thomas S. Tisdale, Jr., Chancellor of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, which is remaining part of The Episcopal Church.

“We have carefully examined the claims made against The Episcopal Church in South Carolina, and inherent in all these claims are federal statutory and constitutional issues that must be decided in a federal court rather than in South Carolina state court,” Mr. Tisdale said.

The plaintiffs, who include a group representing itself as “the Diocese of South Carolina” along with 35 parishes, now have 30 days to respond to the notice of removal. They could seek to have the case remanded to state court, and a federal judge would then have to decide where the case will be heard.

Not only did Mark Lawrence and the breakaways take property that belonged to the Episcopal Church when they left, they took the name of the Episcopal diocese.  The faithful Episcopalians chose a clever new name after they were enjoined from using their proper name.

The photo is from an Easter service at Grace Episcopal Church in Charleston, where, as you see, the church was full, which warms my heart.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Click for the larger view

When the former leaders of the Episcopal diocese left the church, they initiated a suit to keep the name, assets, and property of the diocese in their control. A judge issued a temporary restraining order yesterday.

A state judge this week issued a temporary restraining order saying the diocese is the only group that can use the name Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. A hearing on whether to make the order permanent is set for next month in Columbia. So one of the things the group must do is give themselves a working title.

Again from The Lead:

A photo from the convention of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina - temporary name for the diocese and missing seal.

I hope and pray the loyal Episcopalians in the original diocese in South Carolina will have their name restored, but, in any case, life goes on in the continuing diocese.  "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."  Their choice of a working title is excellent.

The faithful members of the diocese met in convention and elected a provisional bishop:

The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori was celebrant and preacher at a Choral Eucharist that opened the Convention. After his installation, Bishop [Charles Glenn] vonRosenberg addressed the Convention. The Reverend Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies of The Episcopal Church, also addressed the Convention. She was one of many Church leaders from across the nation who traveled to Charleston to show support for continuing Episcopalians in South Carolina.

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Welcome!

The Episcopal Church in South Carolina is continuing. We are reorganizing with renewed dedication to carry forward the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, just as prior generations have done since 1789. We have much to do and  many challenges to meet, but we are confident that by moving forward together in unity and faith, with God's help, we will flourish.

Your participation in this new ministry is encouraged. The Episcopal Church always welcomes you!

Blessings and prayers for Bishop Glenn and the continuing members of the historic diocese.  May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.