Historic East Village Church Clings to Life

New York, NY —

The demolition of the historic St. Brigid's Church in the East Village remains on hold, following a hearing today in state court.

Judge Barbara Kapnick said she would rule as soon as possible after Labor Day on what authority the arch-diocese has to dispose of the building as it sees fit. Attorney Harry Kresky for the Committee to Save St. Brigid's says the state's Religious Corporation Law requires the church to convene meetings and obey the will of the parish members.

The church argues that's a false reading of the law, and that the court does not have a right to interfere in the internal affairs of the arch-diocese.