St. Margaret's, Six Area Churches Must Give Up Property by April 30

Everything acquired before Jan. 2007 goes to TEC.

Judge Tells St. Margaret's Congregation to Hand Over Church

Circuit court reverses original ruling after state supreme court decision.

Fairfax County Circuit Court told a Woodbridge congregation to turn over St. Margaret’s Anglican Church to the diocese they divorced at a ruling Monday. St. Margaret’s and six other congregations in Virginia left the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia in protest of the diocese's support of same-sex unions and the confirmation of a homosexual priest as bishop, according to a circuit court report. The court ruled in favor of the congregation in January 2009, only to have it kicked back for a second look by the Virginia Supreme Court in June 2010. Now the circuit court orders church members to give the property and land to the Episcopal Diocese. A final order from the court is expected in 45 days, according to Jim Oakes, spokesperson for the seven…

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