Federal Judge Rules That Spokane Bishop Can't Sell Parishes

A federal district judge in Washington state has issued a potentially devastating decision concerning the ownership of parich church property in the Diocese of Spokane. From the linked news report it is not clear whether the reasoning of this decision could be employed to assist parish churches outside the boundaries of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane. Needless to say, however, the analysis employed could have a significant impact on other denominations, as well, including the schsim bound Episcopal Church. In the wake of the ECUSA's General Convention, it is likely that property disputes will erupt all over the place. Once I have had a chance to review the opinion, I'll offer some further thoughts.