Episcopal Diocese sues three break-away parishes

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is suing three breakaway parishes - including one in Fallbrook - over who owns and controls the property of the local churches.

The property dispute stems from the decisions of the three parishes last year to split from the Episcopal Church as a result of a theological divide within the denomination nationwide in recent years.

Moves such as the Episcopal Church's ordination in 2003 of an openly gay bishop have gained more media attention, but have grown out of a broader theological dispute about what the Bible means, who Jesus Christ is, and whether the Bible and other doctrine should be re-evaluated and changed because of today's culture, said Eric Sohlgren, an attorney for the local breakaway parishes. Read more