A recent ruling in Maryland has stirred considerable conversation within the faith community, as a judge favored the Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) in a property dispute involving 37 churches attempting to disaffiliate from the denomination. Judge Michael Malone of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court announced his decision last Friday, emphasizing the UMC’s claims regarding property trust laws.
The ruling points to the existence of an “irrevocable trust” over church properties, which the UMC asserts applies to all congregations, including those seeking to leave. Malone explained that according to Maryland law, a trust is presumed to be irrevocable unless there’s explicit language allowing for its revocation. In this instance, he noted the lack of such language in the UMC’s governing documents.
Malone’s statement highlighted that local churches had previously agreed to submit to the authority of the UMC, thereby reinforcing the Conference’s claim that the properties should be viewed as held in trust for the denomination rather than owned outright by the congregations.
Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling expressed gratitude over the resolution of the dispute, underscoring her desire for the church to focus on its mission work, which addresses pressing societal issues like food insecurity and healthcare access. In her words, “It is my prayer that everyone will turn their attention to these Christ-centered needs.”
Contrarily, a representative for the churches involved in the lawsuit, who wished to remain anonymous, conveyed disappointment regarding the decision. They accused the Conference of acting with “financial malfeasance, greed, and unjust harm toward the local congregations.” They argued that these local churches have managed their properties with little to no support from the Conference and claimed that the ruling feels reminiscent of biblical oppression.
This legal battle has its roots in a broader contentious atmosphere within the UMC regarding LGBTQ+ issues. Despite numerous proposals to amend church policies in favor of inclusivity, many conservative congregations chose to part ways with the denomination following years of tension over the church’s stance on same-sex unions and the ordination of LGBTQ+ individuals. Between 2019 and 2023, approximately 7,500 churches opted to leave under a temporary measure that permitted such departures following a contentious General Conference.
While the plaintiffs are contemplating their next steps, perhaps seeking an appeal, they remain hopeful that the Conference might reconsider its stance and engage in a more compassionate path. Meanwhile, the UMC continues to navigate its challenges as societal views and internal church dynamics evolve, marking a pivotal time in its recent history.
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