Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. — Romans 12:12

Dear St. Philip’s Parish Family,

 Earlier this morning, the Supreme Court of South Carolina issued a ruling in the lawsuit involving the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina and its parishes (ruling linked below). We are grateful to report that the Court ruled that St. Philip’s is the owner of all of its real and personal property and that the Episcopal Church (TEC) has no claim whatsoever to our parish. Thus, we are free to pursue the Gospel mission to which God has called us.

However, the Supreme Court reversed Judge Dickson in regard to some of the other parishes. The Diocesan legal team and the legal teams for the various parishes are analyzing the opinion and evaluating further potential actions. We are deeply grateful for and mindful of the blessings God has poured out on St. Philip’s and we stand ready to see how we can best come alongside our brothers and sisters in the Diocese.

As the legal team continues to analyze the opinion, Bishop Edgar has called a clergy gathering for us to take counsel and pray together as we seek to discern the way forward.

Please keep the Bishop and the people of the Diocese in your prayers at this time. I have included below the traditional collect for the Church, which may aid your prayers. I will keep you updated with any further developments.

Faithfully,

Jeff+

Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.