Law from 1867 relates to Episcopal fight, judge says: Property disputes in Civil War times
A Virginia court has ruled that a Civil War–era law applies to a property dispute between the state’s Episcopal diocese and 11 congregations that have seceded from it. The state law in question, which dates to 1867, relates to the settlement of property disputes when there is a division in a church or religious society.
“The Court finds that the evidence of a ‘division’ within the diocese, the [Episcopal Church], and the Anglican Communion is not only compelling but overwhelming,” wrote Judge Randy I. Bellows of the Fairfax County Circuit Court in the April 3 ruling.