37 Maryland Churches Lose Court Battle Over UMC Property Dispute

The Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) has faced another setback in its legal battle with 37 churches that sought to leave the denomination over a property dispute. An appeals court in Maryland ruled against the departing congregations, upholding the decision of a lower court. The case, titled *The Methodist Church of Cape St. Claire et al. v. The Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, Inc.*, was decided by a three-judge panel that unanimously rejected the churches’ claims.

Judge Douglas Nazarian, who authored the opinion, stated that secular courts lack the authority to intervene in internal church matters. He emphasized that resolving the dispute would require a trial court to examine the UMC’s religious doctrine and resource management, which is prohibited by the First Amendment. According to Nazarian, only the UMC’s internal governing bodies have the authority to address the churches’ claims.

The Baltimore-Washington Conference issued a statement supporting the appellate decision. Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling, who represents the conference, expressed relief that the trust clause in the UMC’s Book of Discipline has been upheld. This clause holds local church properties in trust for the denomination, a provision that has been part of the UMC’s governing documents since its inception.

The conference has not yet disclosed its plans for the properties in question, stating it is in a “season of prayerful discernment” regarding their future. The attorney representing the plaintiff congregations has not yet responded to inquiries from *The Christian Post*, and the case may be updated if further information becomes available.

The UMC has long been divided over doctrinal issues, particularly regarding the ordination of noncelibate homosexuals and the recognition of same-sex unions. Despite repeated efforts to amend the Book of Discipline, these changes have consistently failed to gain enough support. In 2019, a temporary measure was added to the Book of Discipline, allowing churches to leave the denomination over the ongoing debate. This measure expired at the end of 2021, but the division within the UMC has continued to deepen.

The legal battle over property rights reflects broader tensions within the denomination. As the UMC grapples with internal discord, the role of secular courts in resolving religious disputes remains a contentious issue. The ruling reinforces the principle that religious institutions should be free from external judicial interference in matters of doctrine and governance, a concept echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

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