CLEVELAND—The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio is suing parishes that have left the church in protest over the election of a gay bishop and other doctrinal issues over who owns the parishes’ land and buildings.

In the March 26 lawsuit filed in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, the diocese says congregations that break away cannot keep church property.

Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns, of the Herndon, Va.-based Convocation of Anglicans, said the parishes named in the lawsuit are disappointed the diocese chose to go to court rather than negotiate a settlement.

Diocese spokeswoman Martha Wright said the lawsuit is a first step to clarify who has rights to certain properties.

Several dioceses have sued to get back property from parishes that have left the U.S. Episcopal Church to join other Anglican groups.