Law Commons^™

When Churches Divide: On Neutrality, Deference, And Unpredictability, Mark Strasser

Mark Strasser

Predictions that the Anglican Communion would be torn asunder have proven false, at least for now. Nonetheless, continuing disagreements about whether Bishop Gene Robinson should be a bishop and about whether same-sex unions should be recognized provide an ever-present reason for a possible break within that Communion. Were there such a break, there might well be numerous suits regarding the ownership of various properties.

Historically, churches have split off from their denominational affiliations for a whole host of reasons including disagreements over property ownership, church leadership, or member equality. When such divisions take place, the ownership of particular buildings or …