Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh settles suit with parish

PITTSBURGH The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has settled a lawsuit filed by one of its parishes following the election of a gay bishop concerning how church property would be handled should a parish seek to break away.

The settlement affirms Episcopal Church law that says church property belongs to the diocese rather than the local parish and that the bishop would decide how to divide property if a church seeks a split.

Bishop Robert Duncan helped organize the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes, which seeks to represent members who oppose the denomination's increasingly liberal direction.

He opposed the election of the Reverend V-Gene Robinson, an openly gay man, as the bishop of New Hampshire.

The agreement calls for the diocese and a parish to "discuss in good faith" how property should be handled and for mediation to settle disputes. See Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh settles suit with parish @ WCAX