South Carolina Circuit Judge Diane S. Goodstein today ruled in favor of the Diocese of South Carolina’s position that her injunction, which prohibits the Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina ( from using the names and seal of the Diocese of South Carolina, should remain in place.
SOUTH CAROLINA JUDGE REJECTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH REQUEST TO REMOVE INJUNCTION
PROTECTING DIOCESAN NAMES AND SEAL
Diocese’s Name, Symbols, Seal are Protected by Judge, Who Denies Denomination’s Efforts to Seize Them
St. George, SC, October 11, 2013 – South Carolina Circuit Judge Diane S. Goodstein today ruled in favor of the Diocese of South Carolina’s position that her injunction, which prohibits The Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina (ECSC) from using the names and seal of the Diocese of South Carolina, should remain in place.
Judge Goodstein issued the injunction and temporary restraining order in January.
“I’m not going to disturb the injunction,” she said. The judge said it will remain in place to protect the diocese’s duly registered marks. Under South Carolina civil law those are entitled to protection.
“I’m encouraged by this ruling, for the clarity it allows us in continuing with the mission and ministry of the Diocese,” said the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, bishop of the diocese.
ECSC had asked Judge Goodstein to vacate her injunction and permit the denomination to claim the name, seal and symbols of the Diocese. The injunction has prevented TEC and ECSC from assuming the identity of the Diocese of South Carolina. In other cases, TEC has simply assumed the identities of dioceses that have left the denomination.
The case is likely to be heard next year.
The Diocese of South Carolina left TEC last year, after the denomination attempted to defrock its bishop. The diocese was one of the founders of the Episcopal Church.
