Facts

In 2004, after the St. James Congregation voted to disaffiliate from the Episcopal Church and instead align with the Anglican Church, a dispute began over ownership of three properties on 32nd street, including St. James' campus. Episcopal filed suit against St. James.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff alleged the congregation gave up the property when it disaffiliated, as the property was held in trust for the larger church. Plaintiff alleged that the disagreements between the churches were various and had been ongoing for several years. The most notable disagreement was the ordination of a gay bishop by the Episcopal Church.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
St. James contended that the property was owned by the congregation, due to a previous letter whereby the diocese agreed to waive ownership of the property. Defendants claimed that the plaintiffs relinquished their rights to the property when they aligned with the Anglican Church, as the property was gained while under the Episcopal banner.

Result

The court found that the property belonged to Episcopal.