On Wednesday, Feb. 27, the Supreme Court of Virginia will hear the breakaway Falls Church Anglican’s petition for appeal of the ruling that returned the historic Falls Church property to the Episcopal Church. The Court will also hear the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia’s cross-appeal on whether the Diocese has a truth interest in the real and personal property of the Falls Church. The Virginia Circuit Court decision awarding the church property ownership to the Diocese came just over a year ago, and after hearing the appeal arguments tomorrow, the Supreme Court is expected to render its decision in the first half of this year.

A spokesman for the Diocese issued the following statement in advance of tomorrow’s court appearance: “While we are heartened to have reached amicable agreements with the congregations previously involved in this dispute, it is unfortunate that we must continue in litigation over this final matter. However, we remain confident in our position and hope that this hearing is another step toward retaining Episcopal properties for the mission of the church.”