[mbarker12474]

Can a local congregation remove itself from the larger church body AND take its property with it? The United Methodist Church would like to believe that the big church retains deed to physical property when a local congregation abandons the UMC. Virginia law states otherwise, and proposed legislation (SB1305 Mims) articulates this more carefully.

Bishop Kammerer doesn't like this, and uses the resources of her office, staff, and IT services to encourage opposition.

Problem is that she has no authority to use episcopal resources to engage in this political lobbying effort, or speak on behalf of the Conference in a matter that hasn't been put before the Conference.

Bigger problem is that it just ain't right. It is the inherent right of men to break bonds with those with whom they've contracted, and remove their property with them.

In the Virginia Conference, local congregations have darn good reason to.

Mike Barker King George VA

[PAR35]

Story of interest to you and your pinglist. Proposed Virginia legislation dealing with property ownership during a split.

[John O]

Bishop Kammerer doesn't like this, and uses the resources of her office

There's the problem right there. Is she also a sexual pervert?

Obviously the UMC has lost it's way

[gieriscm]

Can a local congregation remove itself from the larger church body AND take its property with it?

I'm not familiar with how churches own and hold property, but wouldn't it depend on who (local congregation versus the larger "church") initially purchased the property and holds the deed? I'd need more background and info before deciding whether this bill should be supported or not.

I do agree with your point that Bishop Kammerer may be abusing resources to lobby the General Assembly on behalf of the church it hasn't been put before the Conference.

[Sloth]

These problems wouldn't exist if people would eschew un-Biblical denominational hierarchies.

[rwa265]

I wonder if the legislation has anything to do with local Episcopal churches wanting to break away from the National organization because of the appointment of a homosexual bishop.

[Big Dubber]

With the leaders of mainstream denominations being far left of many of their congregations this could be a very big deal.

Viginia - go for it!

[Corin Stormhands]

x, what's your take on this?

[solitas]

Faith Communities OPPOSED to this bill include: • Presbyterian Church (USA) Presbyteries • Synod of the Mid-Atlantic PCUSA • Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America • Metropolitan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America • Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church • Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church • Episcopal Diocese of Virginia • Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia • Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Virginia • Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia

"What's Ours is Ours, and what's yours is Ours because We say God says so. Amen."

Detestable organizations all. NOT the individual Congregations or their Congregants; but the Organizations atanding upon the backs of the Congregants.     I thought the Middle Ages were over.

[TaxRelief]

This is an excellent piece of legislation that, it appears, would break the financial grip liberal churches have on conservative congregations.