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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- A second lawsuit has been filed in the dispute that split Episcopalians in eastern South Carolina.

The federal suit was filed Tuesday in Charleston by the new bishop of parishes staying with the national Episcopal Church. It asks that the Rt. Rev. Charles vonRosenberg be declared the only one with authority to act in the name of the Diocese of South Carolina.

Parishes that left the church last year in disputes over ordaining of homosexuals and other issues earlier went to state court arguing they have the right to the name of the Diocese of South Carolina.

Also at issue is about a half billion dollars in property owned by the parishes that left the national church.