tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post4550927514566159442..comments2024-03-27T08:46:54.369-04:00Comments on BabyBlueOnline: Anglican Curmudgeon: The Issue Is Finally Joined in PittsburghAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17490745238430648958noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23327221.post-50451375921201224732009-05-21T23:32:47.479-04:002009-05-21T23:32:47.479-04:00It now seems all the rage for parallel dioceses to...It now seems all the rage for parallel dioceses to be formed and that defections be organized at the diocesan level. I agree with Mr. Haley that this tactic presents different legal issues than those that attend the departures of parishes, such as has happened in Virginia. But I cannot help but note that the evolving tactics of defection (including use of the term "Episcopal") seem driven solely by an effort to find a better legal basis for asserting claims to buildings and accounts. Otherwise, the most direct approach would be simply to walk out the door and start services at a drive=in (if such things still exist), a high school gymnasium or a borrowed Church hall of another denomination. This apparent lust for property is unseemly and undermines the importance of the theological issues at stake. A sure way to stop this enervating litigation is for departing brothers and sisters to make clear that they have no interest in retaining property. The amount wasted on legal fees could build a more than adequate number of new churches.<br /><br />Whatever the outcome in Pennsylvania, Texas, etc. at least in Virginia it is clear that we do not have departing dioceses and that there is no tension between diocesan positions and those of the national church on issues such as not acquiescing in departing parishioners taking property with them. <br /><br />NoVA ScoutAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com