Today, Judge Edgar W. Dickson, Judge of the First Judicial Circuit in the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas, issued an Order finding that the Church of the Holy Cross did not accede to the 1979 Dennis Canon and is thus the owner of its property. He further found that no other Parish acceded to the Dennis Canon and thus no trust was ever created in favor of The Episcopal Church (TEC) or TECSC. This is the ruling for which we have been praying and the second time we have prevailed in circuit court.

You may read more on our diocesan website HERE.  The actual court order of Judge Dickson can be found HERE.  I direct you to page 31 of the Order where Judge Dickson speaks particularly about The Church of the Holy Cross (Stateburg). 

Do not be surprised if TEC and TECSC appeal, but I feel confident that Judge Dickson’s ruling followed SC law and will be affirmed. However, let us humbly continue to pray and let us give thanks to God as we continue our mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all people.

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28.19-20)