CHARLESTON, S.C.  The Diocese of South Carolina brought a discontent church under its direct control by replacing leaders and making it a mission church, according to The Associated Press.
Bishop Edward L. Salmon Jr. wrote in a letter that he is taking over the church because its vestry, which includes the church's priest and lay leaders, voted to leave the Episcopal Church.
Salmon has urged members of All Saints Episcopal Church to remain in the church while they protest the recent consecration of a homosexual bishop and priestly blessings of same-sex unions.
The church remains defiant, despite the bishop's action.
"These actions by the bishop are precipitous and without legal support," leaders said in a statement. "The vestry will remain on the property and continue to maintain possession and responsibility for that property that is All Saints Church."
Three years ago the church sued after the diocese filed a public notice saying All Saints was subject to its property laws, one of which says churches hold their property in trust for the diocese and the national church.
A state judged ruled two years ago that a parish deed takes precedence over ownership claims by the diocese or the denomination. The diocese is appealing that case.
