FAQs

In August 2004, St. James Church disaffiliated from the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and the Episcopal Church over theological differences. St. James believes that the Episcopal Church chose a path that did not reflect our faith.  We chose to follow our religious beliefs. More information about St.

• Read more

More information about this case can be found in other sections of this Web site:
See also:

• Case Appeal
• History

St. James is required to do so by the California Supreme Court. In late February 2009, the case returned to the Orange County Superior Court where St. James can now assert factual and legal arguments, through discovery, depositions, motions, and trial, that it did not have the opportunity to raise in the earlier phase of the litigation. In March 2009, St.

• Read more

There are several easy ways to stay informed about case developments and updates to this Web site.

• Read more

A full timeline of the case history is available in the "Important Dates" section of our Web site.

• Read more

The U.S. Supreme Court has grappled with how to decide church property disputes without deciding the underlying religious dispute, recognizing that resolving such disputes on religious grounds would likely violate the First Amendment’s prohibition on the establishment of religion.

• Read more

St. James has the opportunity to pursue an appeal to the United States Supreme Court, called a petition for a writ of certiorari.

• Read more

St. James Anglican Church purchased and maintained its property with its own funds and has held clear record title to its property for over fifty years. St. James has fought several court battles to keep its property since ending its affiliation with the Episcopal Church in 2004, including to the California Supreme Court. Now it is time to appeal to the highest court in the land.

Dozens of church property cases are percolating in the court system lacking constitutional direction, and states are in conflict regarding the handling of church property cases. These cases involve many different faiths and religious groups. A United States Supreme Court decision in favor of St.

• Read more