CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina parishes that left The Episcopal Church want the nation’s highest court to reverse a state court ruling.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reports the conservative Diocese of South Carolina on Tuesday said it would petition the U.S. Supreme Court, in hopes of reversing a state Supreme Court ruling forcing the diocese to return properties worth millions of dollars.
The diocese split from the church in 2012 over theological issues, including ordination of gay priests, and sued to retain ownership of property.
The state’s high court decided against the breakaway parishes, ruling in August they must return most church property to The Episcopal Church and recently refusing to reconsider the decision.
The disassociated diocese also filed a new state-level lawsuit, seeking compensation for building improvements in many parishes.
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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com
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