The property of Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, New Jersey. As for the church’s next steps, litigation is certain. "The plan will be decided by the diocese," York said.

(RNS) — A long-simmering dispute over a proposed homeless shelter at a New Jersey church turned ugly last week, as leaders of Toms River voted to try to seize the church’s property.

The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe speaks at the service held to formally install him as presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at The Chapel of Christ the Lord in New York, New York.