They claim that their organizations are bona fide religious societies within the meaning of ch. The trustees do not make clear, however, whether their organizations are incorporated or unincorporated. Chapter187 applies to incorporated religious organizations. It has little application to unincorporated religious associations. 187.01 and 187.40, Stats.
Unincorporated associations derive their rights and powers largely from the common law.
Courts have denied unincorporated associations the right to appear in court without licensed legal counsel. Albion River Watershed Protection Assoc. Another court has denied the same for churches. These decisions apply the same principle at work in Jadair , and we see nothing in ch.187 that dictates otherwise for unincorporated religious societies. Consequently, we hold that the religious, nonprofit, or unincorporated status of appellant trustees' organizations does not empower the appellant trustees to speak for the organizations in court without licensed legal counsel.