Both of right to freedom of speech and expression and right to dissent form the basis of a democratic society and according to some schools of social thoughts they form the first foundation of sovereign convictions. These indicate that each and every human being has the right to follow his/her own ideals and path, be it social, religious or political. Do you know that this practice is carried by several Christian orders so far? However, it seems, that there is a problem from now and the source of it is the declaration of the California Supreme Court. What is the declaration therefore?
According to the declaration or wise decision (a unanimous ruling) of the California Supreme Court, rebellious congregations that prefer to part ways with their denominations may lose or suffer the loss of their church buildings and property accordingly. It is to be noted that the entire decision came to the fore owing to the case of Episcopal Church. Well, in the entire decision Justice Ming W. Chin became instrumental and stated categorically that the owner of St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach is the National Church instead of the congregation. It is worthwhile to mention that the schism of the Church or the split between the congregation and Church took place on account of consecrating of a gay man, V. Gene Robinson, as bishop of New Hampshire in 2003.
What is the present situation hence? Well, indeed, there is jubilation among the adherents of the National Church and the diocese or episcopate or the territorial jurisdiction of a bishop. Nevertheless, a considerable section of the Church is hopeful that the wise decision would make discontented and peeved congregations halt their fissiparous tendencies and get united with their mother churches.
Though the rebellious congregations are confident to go on with their firmnesses of purpose, it seems that there is no way except to concede. What do you think?
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