Local traditional Anglican parish loses assets

According to the parish's website, All Saints is a "biblically orthodox, liturgically traditional church."

From the Long Beach Press Telegram ...

Dealing a blow to conservative Christians in Long Beach and elsewhere who left the U.S. Episcopal Church over theological differences, California's high court ruled Monday that the breakaway groups can't keep their church properties.

The State Supreme Court decision is likely to have huge implications for dozens of churches across the country that aligned themselves with Anglican dioceses in Africa after the liberal-leaning U.S. church allowed the ordination of an openly gay bishop in 2003.

"I know this decision certainly isn't favorable, but in terms of consequences we'll have to wait and see," said the Rev. Bill Thompson, pastor of All Saints Anglican Church in Long Beach, one of three Southern California churches involved in lawsuits over their properties.

All Saints, along with St. James Church in Newport Beach and St. David's Church in North Hollywood, left the Episcopal Church in 2004 after the ordination of Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. Conservative leaders say the ordination of a gay bishop was the tipping point in a long-simmering dispute over basic biblical teachings.

The churches argued in court that because they held the deeds to their properties, and had contributed to improvements over the years, they should be able to keep their land and buildings.