Saint Andrews ChurchNASHVILLE, Tenn. – Already estranged from its Episcopal
roots, the leadership from Saint Andrews Church in Green Hills voted
unanimously this weekend to continue fighting for the land and building it has
called home for more than 40 years.
The land and property battle is not unlike the roughly 56
identical battles continuing, nationwide, as local congregations continue to
demand independence from the Episcopal Church. But Saint Andrews's ongoing
battle is a unique one, insists one of the attorneys representing Saint Andrews
in its legal battles.
"We paid money for (the land), actually out of our pocket,"
said attorney Ben Rose. "We got a deed, free-and-clear."
But attorneys representing the other side, the Tennessee
Diocese, say its counter claim is quite simple.
"It's not theirs," insisted attorney Richard Lodge, in a
file interview roughly one year ago.
Despite this already lengthy debate, members of Saint
Andrews simply want to appeal their case, and the more sentimental side of it,
before a panel of jurors.
Attorney Ben Rose told NewsChannel 5, Saint Andrews will
file its request for appeal sometime next month. Rose confirmed, this battle has
been dragged out and could very likely play out many more years.
