Velasquez ruled that efforts by the national church to retain the property of the seceding St. James congregation was an attempt to tread upon the congregation's freedom of speech.

Praveen Bunyan, pastor of St. James, said the awarding of legal fees is another affirmation that the St. James Church was right from the beginning.

"This is a reiteration saying that the lawsuit was wrongfully brought against us," Bunyan said.

The Rev. Marcia King, Assistant Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church there, and a Trinity alumna, said in a telephone conversation this week that clean-up and pastoral care are going to be two of the greatest needs. Those affected by the hurricane are already showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome, and the presence of the Trinity team will be very helpful in the recovery process.

Akinola, who some reports said would lead a new church that no longer recognised Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams as its spiritual leader, blasted the Church of England for allowing gay clergy to enter into civil unions if they remained celibate.

Narain and his lawyer, Truman Gibson, deny the allegations. They also dispute that Narain's ministry has been restricted.

"I have no response because the issue is very hearsay," said Narain, 56, an immigrant from South Africa. "There is no issue at all. ... They have done their investigations. It is 'I said, she said.'"