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SOUTH CAROLINA: Trial to Protect Diocese of SC Assets valued at $500 Million Begins Tuesday
Diocesan News Release
July 7, 2014
WHO:Attorneys for the Diocese of South Carolina are scheduled to appear in South Carolina Circuit Court in St. George to begin arguing their case to protect local diocesan property from seizure by The Episcopal Church (TEC) and The Episcopal Church in South Carolina.
WHAT: The trial will determine whether members of the diocese may keep and control the real, personal and intellectual property and that of its parishes, including its seal and its historical names.
WHEN: Opening arguments are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, July 8, at 9 a.m. Eastern.
WHERE: The courtroom of Judge Diane Goodstein at the St. George Courthouse, 5200 East Jim Bilton Blvd., St. George, SC 29477
WHY: The Diocese of SC left the denomination in 2012 when TEC tried to remove its duly elected bishop, Mark Lawrence over theological differences. TEC has spent more than $40 million on litigation (nationwide) to seize church property and evict congregations, leaving some churches empty and unused. The lawsuit was filed to protect more than $500 million in real property, including churches, rectories and other buildings built, maintained and expanded by its members without any support from The Episcopal Church. Many predate the establishment of The Episcopal Church.
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