Split Episcopal Dioceses Can’t Take Millions in Property

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –

South Carolina’s Supreme Court says the dozens of parishes that split with the Episcopal Church can leave but can’t take valuable real estate with them.

The State Supreme court issued the decision Wednesday after 29 parishes voted to leave the National Church in 2012 over theological issues like the ordination of gay priests.

Two years later, the Conservative Diocese of South Carolina went to court to protect its identity, the diocesan seal, and $500 million dollars in church property.

The courts sided with the National Church in 2014.