Members of Christ Church in Savannah, Ga., said they will appeal a local court ruling to turn over their property to the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.
"This is another step in what we knew would be a long process," Rev. Marcus B. Robertson said. "This decision, though set in the context of a legal contest, remains consistent with the commitment we made before God and one another at that time."
Christ Church, one of the nation's oldest congregations, left the Episcopal denomination in Sept. 2007.
Robertson and other church leaders say they made the move because they wanted to remain true to the teachings of Christ and his word.
Controversy has risen in the Episcopal denomination recently over the church's position on same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay clergy.
Roberston told CBN News that church leaders and members made the prayerful decision to split knowing they would most likely face a long court battle.
Neil Creasy, chancellor of Christ Church, said the group is confident of a favorable outcome.
"The Supreme Court of South Carolina is the only state supreme court to have ruled in a case involving facts, law and issues similar to ours," he said. "It ruled in favor of the local congregation. We are confident of a similar result here."
Christ Church will remain in their buildings while the appeal is being considered.
*Originally published October 30, 2009.
