Judge Hears Arguments In Va. Episcopal Church Split - News Story - WRC | Washington
Judge Hears Arguments In Va. Episcopal Church Split - News Story - WRC | Washington:
FAIRFAX, Va. -- A judge is hearing arguments on the constitutionality of a Virginia law invoked by 11 conservative church congregations seeking to split from the Episcopal Church.
The breakaway congregations voted to split from the Episcopal Church under a Civil War-era law that allows congregations to do so by a majority vote. The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia doesn't recognize the split and is seeking to regain control of congregational property.
The diocese argues that the law infringes on the denomination's right to settle its own religious affairs.
The congregations sought to split from the denomination in a dispute precipitated by the Episcopal Church's consecration of an openly gay bishop in 2003.