Central Florida Parish and Diocese Reach Separation Terms

Posted on: May 7, 2008

The Diocese of Central Florida announced that terms of a separation agreement had been reached between members of Trinity Church, Vero Beach, one of the diocese’s largest parishes. In order to become enforceable the agreement must first be approved by the diocesan executive committee, the Trinity vestry and the board representing those members who wish to remain Episcopalian.

Under terms of the agreement, those members who wish to remain with The Episcopal Church, referred to in the mediation settlement agreement as “Stayers,” will retain the historic church property and pay the “Leavers” $700,000, with $200,000 paid in cash upon departure set for July 1 and the rest in $50,000 monthly installments guaranteed by the diocese.

The two sides have agreed not to lobby undecided members and to issue no media releases “concerning the disaffiliation except what counsel for the Leavers and Stayers agree upon.”

The leavers, who include most of the ordained clergy including the Rev. Canon Lorne Coyle, rector, retain sole operational authority of the plant until the date of separation. If the continuing Episcopal congregation later decides that it cannot afford to maintain the church plant, the Leavers have the first right to purchase the property.

An addendum to the six-page agreement notes that Bishop John W. Howe of Central Florida has agreed to transfer the canonical license of departing clergy to another Anglican province if they so desire. The Very Rev. G. Richard Lobs, retired dean of the Cathedral of St. Luke in Orlando, has agreed to serve as the interim of the Episcopal parish.

This article comes from The Living Church Foundation
http://www.livingchurch.org/

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