St. Union Baptist Church, Inc. v. James M. Howard, Sr. James M. Howard, Sr.

Summary

The court held that civil courts could not resolve the ecclesiastical question whether Howard remained pastor or could rescind his resignation and be rehired, and therefore affirmed dismissal of the corporation's claims. It held, however, that Howard's claims concerning church funds, financial records, fiduciary obligations, and property rights presented civil issues within the trial court's jurisdiction, requiring reversal and remand of their dismissal. The court also concluded that Howard had standing to pursue those claims and reviewed the jurisdictional and standing rulings de novo. MURDOCK, Justice, concurring in part and dissenting in part, would have reversed both appeals because the contract and property issues required judicial consideration; SHAW, Justice, specially concurring, would not decide jurisdiction over a claim for recovery of the payment because no such claim was presented.