Document: 426 U.S. 696 96 S.Ct. 2372 49 L.Ed.2d 151 The SERBIAN EASTERN ORTHODOX DIOCESE FOR the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA et al., Petitioners,v.Dionisije MILIVOJEVICH al. No. 75-292. Argued March 22, 1976. Decided June 21, Rehearing Denied Oct. 4, See 429 873, 97 191. Syllabus During course of a protracted dispute over control Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese for United States and Canada, Holy Assembly Bishops Synod Church (Mother Church) suspended ultimately removed defrocked Bishop, respondent Dionisije, appointed petitioner Firmilian as Administrator Diocese, which Mother then reorganized into three Dioceses. is hierarchical church, sole power to appoint remove its rests in Synod. Dionisije filed suit Illinois courts seeking enjoin petitioners from interfering with Diocesan assets not-for-profit corporations have himself declared true Bishop. After lengthy trial, trial court resolved most disputed issues favor petitioners. Supreme Court affirmed part reversed part, holding that Dionisije's removal defrockment had be set aside "arbitrary" because proceedings against him not view been conducted accordance Church's constitution penal code, reorganization was invalid it exceeded scope authority effectuate such changes without approval. Held : 1. constituted improper judicial interference decisions church thus interposing judgment matters ecclesiastical cognizance polity, contravened First Fourteenth Amendments. Pp. 708-725. (a) "(W)henever questions discipline, or faith, rule, custom, law decided by highest (the) judicatories matter has carried, legal tribunals must accept final, binding . .." Watson v. Jones, 13 Wall. 679, 727, 20 L.Ed. 666. 708-712. (b) Under guise "minimal" review deemed "aitrary" unconstitutionally undertaken adjudication quintessentially religious controversies whose resolution Amendment commits exclusively this church. 712-720. 2. Though did rely on "fraud, collusion, arbitrariness" exception rule requiring recognition civil tribunals, but rather purported "neutral principles" resolving property disputes reaching conclusion American-Canadian Dioceses invalid, also involves solely internal government, an issue at core affairs. Religious freedom encompasses "power (of bodies) decide themselves, free state interference, government well those faith doctrine." Kedroff St. Nicholas Cathedral, 344 94, 116, 73 143, 154, 120. 720-724. 60 Ill.2d 477, 328 N.E.2d 268, reversed. Albert E. Jenner, Jr., Chicago, Ill., Leo J. Sullivan, III, Waukegan, respondents. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 In 1963, Milivojevich (Dionisije) Bishop Church, Ocokoljich (Firmilian) 1964 cleric Church. action brought other respondents Circuit Court, held respecting were procedurally substantively defective under regulations therefore arbitrary invalid. State invalidated 268 (1975).1 We granted certiorari determine whether actions authorities violation 423 911, 770, 46 634 (1975). hold inquiries made polity court's pursuant thereto reverse. 2 * basic America Canada (American-Canadian Diocese), assets. Petitioners are Firmilian, Gregory Udicki, Sava Vukovich, (the body country). Respondents Monastery Sava, Illiis corporation. A proper perspective relationship these parties nature requires some background discussion. 3 one 14 autocephalous, churches came existence following schism universal Christian 1054, episcopal seat Patriarchate Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Its legislative, judicial, ecclesiastical, administrative resides Bishops, composed all presided designated Patriarch. executive body, Patriarch four selected Assembly. exclusive remove, suspend, defrock, Bishops. governed according Scriptures, Tradition, Rules Ecumenical Councils, Apostles, Faiths Constitution adopted 1931, "penal code" 1961. These sources sometimes ambiguous seemingly inconsistent. Pertinent provisions provide "main division dioceses, both regard aspect," Art. 12, "(d)ecisions establishing, naming, liquidating, reorganizing, establishing eliminating position vicar bishops, upon (Holy Assembly), agreement Patriarchal Council," 16. 4 late 19th century, migrants North descent formed autonomous congregations throughout country Canada. jurisdiction Russian unable care their needs sought permission bring themselves 5 1913 1916, priests laymen organized America. 32 divided presbyteries, each Bishop's Aide, constitutions adopted. 1917, commissioned priest, Father Mardary, organize independent Four years later, result Mardary's efforts, created complete formal organization Diocese. From time until bishop who Yugoslav citizen consultation officials. 6 1927, Mardary called National embracing known drafted submitted appointment require approval any amendments constitution, approved constitution. only diocese own 7 Article provides "is considered ecclesiastically-judicially organic Kingdom Yugoslavia," "statutes rules regulate ecclesiastical-canonical Yugoslavia compulsory for" states "jurisdiction includes entire political territory geographical location enjoys full accordingly, can independently activities school diocesan institutions funds beneficiencies, through organs ." 9 Patriarchate"; various accord extensive powers respect property. Assembly, exercises considerable legislative within 8 corporation, Council laws Illinois. corporation title 30 acres land Libertyville, personally purchased 1924. charter allowed lapse, another governing incorporation organizations. 1945, monastery same laws, Libertyville transrred it. Similar secular property-holding subsequently New York, California, Pennsylvania. Respondent elected 1939. He became controversial figure; during before received numerous complaints challenging his fitness serve administration 10 tenure, however, grew so substantially requested bishops assist supervision. Eventually, elevation rank Metropolia, South added several assistant Dionisije. specifically recommended Stefan Lastavica named bishops. delegation sent May 1962 meeting Belgrade urge adoption proposals, 1962, visit study proposals. directed confer concerning years. 11 remained months, visiting parishes discusng proposals completion survey, suggested assignment commission conduct thorough investigation However, 10, instead institute disciplinary thereupon met immediately pending disposition complaints. chief deputy since 1955 candidates bishop, proceedings. 12 thereafter reconvened and, acting 16 new dioceses Middle Western, Western boundaries roughly districts previously Dionisije.2 final fixing organizational left determined officials old seven days Archimandrites Gregory, Stefan3 temporary administrators immediate reaction refuse ground autonomy guaranteed suspension effectuated compliance On 25, he prepared mailed circular stating refusal recognize actions, 27 issued press release intent litigate courts. This again stated addressed Patriarch, Synod, clergy, congregations, committees, Serbians continued officiate refusing turn Firmilian; letter repeated refusal, asserted no longer recognized charged bodies being "communistic." 6, reaffirmed announced discharged two vicars general loyalty advise proposal reorganize would August acceptance rejection. promptly send committee investigate 15 13, commission, Secretary ly July 5, reiterated reorganization, demanded accusations writing. refused give written defiance higher itself established wrongful conduct, advised prosecutor prepare indictment him. basis commission's report recommendations, recited competence try him, 27, voted minutes Patriarch's informing Assembly's clear based acts subsequent suspension, oath loss certain qualifications 104 17 presiding despite removal, 1963 repudiating demanding revocation division. When reconsider, November completely reinstated provided election 18 Meanwhile, October forwarded bad charges canonical misconduct. responded demand verified reports referred six-month extension answer indictment. 30-day answer, declined furnish grounds they described indictment, additional details evidentiary nature, there forwarding material accused 19 returned January, charges, denouncing schismatic pro-Communist, asserting proceeding code February 1964, could proceed further tried default case participate. amended include rebellion committed separate Considering original indictments, unanimously found guilty divested monastic ranks. 21 Even commenced what eventually litigation, now carried almost Acting threat contained release, Lake County, 26, countered complaint, coolidated action, declaratory relief properly Dioceses, injunctive granting summary dismissed petitioners' countercomplaint, Appellate remanded hearing merits. Ocokoljich, 72 Ill.App.2d 444, 219 343, appeal denied, 34 631 (1966).4 22 Following unreported memorandum entered decree concluded "no substantial evidence produced fraud, collusion arbitrariness existed preliminary decision defrock Hierarchical Church," Pet. Cert., App. 44; trust members Diocese; "improper beyond take dividing whole American changing boundaries, appointing said so-called Dioceses," id., 46; "Firmilian validly Episcopal place Dionisije," ibid. 23 appeal, essentially resulting Court's interpretation Although denied rehearing, that, although suspended, terminated operation when year Thus, effect reinstate II 24 fallacy fatal impermissible rejection dispute, impermissibly substitutes inquiry resolutions thereon disputes. Consistently Amendments "civil do inquire relevant (hierarchical) (to disputes). Such determination frequently necessitates usage. To permit probe deeply enough allocation ahierarchical) (governing polity) violate much manner Md. & Va. Churches Sharpsburg 396 367, 369, 90 499, 500, 582 (1970) (Brennan, J., concurring). For where cannot mandate shall disturb tribunal them, application doctrine them. Ibid. 25 Resolution here affects addition structure controls principal officer corporations. determines our cases tribunals. rival factions seek danger will become entangled intervene behalf groups espousing particular doctrinal beliefs. Because danger, "the severely circumscribes role may play disputes." Presbyterian Hull 393 440, 449, 89 601, 606, 658 (1969). "First values plainly jeopardized litigation practice. If undertake resolve order adjudicate hazards ever present inhibiting development implicating interests purely concern. (T)he (First) commands underlying principle applies equal force administration. 26 principles limiting incidentally affect rights initially fashioned 666 (1872), diversity rendered applicable Amendment.5 With churches, held: "(T)he should govern is, whenever them." Id., 28 language having "a constitutional ring," supra, 446, reasoned: 29 "The knows heresy, support dogma, establishment sect. right voluntary associations expression dissemination doctrine, create controverted association, individual members, officers unquestioned. All unite implied consent bound submit But vain lead total subversion bodies, if aggrieved them It essence unions, establish arising among cognizance, subject appeals organism for." Wall., 728-729, (emphasis supplied). Gonzalez Archbishop, 280 1, 50 74 131 (1929), applied involving entitlement income turned chaplaincy Roman Catholic speaking Brandeis, observed: 31 "Because chaplaincy) act, function essential chaplain candidate possesses absence arbitrariness, affecting rights, accepted conclusive, interest contract otherwise." 16, 7. reviewing disputes, first adverted possibility "marginal review," Churgh 447, 605, products arbitrariness." "not even suggestion Archbishop) exercised (in making decision) arbitrarily," U.S., 18, S.Ct., 8, dictum only. And references exceptions appear opinions mandated Amendment,6 given concrete content "exception." predicate case, we question reliance circumstances consistent prohibition issue. 33 grounded persuaded followed procedures arriving decisions. room review" narrow rubrics "fraud" "collusion" act purposes,7 "arbitrariness" sense complied organization, law. analyze judicatory inherently entail canon supposedly follow, else substantive criteria question. exactly prohibits; undermine inquiry, finds analogous argument need "jurisdiction." "But very different thing subject-matter strictly character, exercise jurisdiction, concerns theological controversy, conformity standard morals required becomes action. here, also, conferred it, judgment, exceeds authorize form adopted; often used courts, jurisdiction. easy see matters, theology, usages customs, fundamental every denomination may, must, examined minuteness care, become, validity court. deprive construing open way evils depicted attendant Lord Eldon, would, effect, transfer concerned questions." 733-734, (Emphasis supplied.) 35 Indeed, reached faith8 rational measurable objective criteria. Constitutional conces due process, notions "fundamental fairness" objectives, hardly cognizance. 36 attend justify manifest instant case. agree ranking organs, Synod.9 promulgation maers discipline expressly provides: 37 officiation, (discipline) juridical (Article 69 sec. 28)." 57. 38 "All d valid final." 64. 39 purpose noted 57 Constitution: 40 "9) interprets canonical-ecclesiastical rules, obligatory, ones, publishes collections; 41 "12) prescribes ecclesiastical-judicial procedure Ecclesiastical Courts; 42 "26) settles between church-self organs; 43 "27) ADJUDGES: 44 "A) instances: 45 "a) disagreements Patriarch; "b) offenses 47 "B) second instance: 48 judged instance." 69. Nor composition hierarchy concern; clearly central figures embodiment "(h)e regulations, representative guiding leader spiritual life diocese." 13. Yet suspend discretion make thosecclesiastical vested, nevertheless "detailed discloses prescribed Church." Ill.2d, 503, 281. Not Amendments, conclusion, evaluated conflicting testimony rejected interpretations procedural 492-500, 276-280. failed fact guided law, admittedly always consistent, five expert witnesses10 followed, denigrating witness "contradictory" discounting "premised assumption consider code," though Bishops.11 accepted, hand, respondents' specifics. not, cannot, demonstrate propriety impropriety claims, note contention failure participate undermined contentions Arts. 66 70 specify person fails allegations admitted process participation; merely "application provision viewed maintained 502, N.E.2d, dogma rewriting compounded error intrusion thicket declaring had, analysis, replaced administrator, reason more expired resort redress attempting vindicate pursuing available remedies overlooked violations disciplined conceded after (a proper) than Instead, sanction circumvention up ordered espoused views regarded already merit seversanctions. short, umbrella "arbitrariness," corporations, consequence incidental abrogation, resides. III 51 considerations inform address constitutionality Illinois' " 'in palpable excess jurisdiction.' Essentially, premised early history "manested intention retain independence affairs while becoming ecclesiastically judicially confirming intention. interpreted conclusion. 506-507, 283-284. 52 explicitly exception. Rather, relied entangle matters." 505, 282. Nevertheless substituted vests interpretation. forbid. 53 delve repeat suffices affairs; 64 commit province 120 (1952), subordination "administrative" "hierarchical,"12 provided, expressed constitution.13 Contrary court, interdict relate day-to-day property.14 express enforce engaging searching polity. 368-370, 500-501 concurring).15 54 little affected changes; allegation fraudulent subterfuge divert intended beneficiaries Formal remains generally conform employed individuals nominated similar divisions courts' rationale abrogation record, establishes pertaining distribution determine. response assured Firmilian: 55 "1. That former sense, remain unchanged. forming 56 "2. management (Or direction) properties) managed directed) Yugoslavia." 1446. As practical tripling representational strength decentralization closer attention representatives necessary. Whether corporate bylaws documents desired us. IV 58 organizations adjudicating matters. choice direction subordinate 59 Reversed. THE CHIEF JUSTICE concurs judgment. 61 WHITE, concurring. 62 Major predicates involved ultimate decision, render does foreclose coming I understand suggest otherwise join therein. 63 REHNQUIST, whom STEVENS joins, dissenting. opinion, long somewhat short casual reader passages easily gain impression designed brand heretic, appropriate pains penalties. judge County Beauvais, trying Joan Arc heresy; invoked injunction located County. 65 respondents,ontesting claimants authority, entitled ask real please stand up. devoted ascertainment was, just attempted association. remotest inject preference dispute. They forced competing sets office might State. Each Unless awarded paper title, find infirmity wholly claims owned brute force, necessity factual purports apply told them," Ante, 713. proof are, proofs conflict inevitably choose other. choosing, one, reasons adduced why proffered prevail another. obviously disputants agreed bind represent 67 consistently Amendment, much, arises regarding conclude, experts issue, procedure. Suppose membership 100; majority vote session quorum present, less 40. Would attended this? hypothetical example clearer same. sheet parchment bearing seal purporting converted handmaidens lawlessness. 68 relies uniform line leading inexorably reversal contrary, embody distinct doctrines quite origins. common-law roles federal prior Erie R. Co. Tompkins, 304 64, 817, 82 1188 (1938), never state-court decision. derived Federal Constitution, thisase; lends doctrine. (1872). There canvassed people chosen associations, availed hear authorities. bases dimension; slightest Instead recognizing applying limited settling private intraorganizational While behind seem especially intrachurch adherence nonadherence certainly thought issues. "Religious come us attitude benevolent charitable purposes, property, contract, equally protection restraints." 714, 71 equation makes discussed dependent embodied Amendment. Less later Watson's observations about Bouldin Alexander, 131, trustees congregational "cannot trusteeship minority society meeting, warning, citation direct contravention rules." 140, Again, nothing anything commonsense deciding dispute: procedures, minority's attempt usurp 75 upholding Philippine Islands claimed possessed necessary post dicta today conveniently truncates, Brandeis 76 "In otherwise. like circumstances, determinations clubs associations." 16-17, 7-8 supplied; footnotes omitted). 77 relevance meaning predecessors. 78 1952 occasion limits ability entertain York Appeals upheld statute awarding group terminate relationships Russia. Legislature Communist Russia actually 'the Moscow capable functioning tool Soviet Government primarily implement foreign policy,' 107 n. 150, quoting 302 N.Y. 32-33, 56, 73-74 (1950), sustained attack. Free Exercise Clause, noting: 79 "By fiat displaces administrator passes intrudes benefit segment forbidden area contrary Amendment." 119, 156. 80 remand Kedroff, relying common State, ruled dominated appointee occupy summarily, Kreshik 363 190, 1037, 1140 (1960), noting Per curiam 81 premises underlain enactment struck down Kedroff." 191, 1038. Nine (1969), Georgia's local condition adhere tenets practice existing affiliation inconsistent utilized Georgia 83 "(u)nder Georgia) approach, departure-from-doctrine, calls questions, creation state, law." 451, 607. 84 Finally, (1970), Maryland dismissal Eldership prevent withdrawing select clergy "upon statutory deeds conveying properties terms charters pvisions General pertinent ownership property," footnote omitted), invoke State's compel fold succeed Eldership's violated want 85 Despite so, difficult derive operative cursory study, Watson, Bouldin, relevance* today: me Fourteenth, prohibits permitting settle presented record. think Are Kreshik, Hull, answered negative. cases, seems fairly implicit displace choices citizens placing weight belief, tenet, albeit perhaps nonreligious reasons, transgressed drawn state-created "departure doctrine" national reclaim possession use churches. examination departure went mere neutral 86 record indicate instruments side indicating placed thumb scale appears precisely be: absolutely claim contrary. presented; contend doing deferred entirely representations represeatives blind deference, counseled neither logic nor coercive rubber-stamp deference accorded avoiding problems envision, far serious Establishment Clause. 87 event demonstrates untenable. read affirmance least portion request aid enforcing desire divide 720-724 (Part III). distinction portions congregation splitting off God. eschews explanation follow Churches, 721, contenting conclusory statement: 88 crch polity." 723. comparison discussions consideration specious. Compare 254 162, 170, A.2d 168 458-462, 350-353 (1966). number good arguments should, wisest avoid maximum extent possible, adjudications. offer sound occasions adjudications required, virtue First, Does earlier reported sub nom. 343 "Metropolia" system died, Vukovich place. rehearing afforded opportunity prove arbitrariness. Since predated forum brought. 115-116, 120, (1952); 450-451, 606-607, 658, (1969); 369 3, 501, No Civil judges "law" governs cogently remarked, 729, 666: "Nor justice likely promoted submitting ordinary large influential mention others, let reference Protestant Episcopal, Methodist churches), own, books collections precedents, usage constitute tasks ablest minds familiar with. supposed competent men own. learned so." "Plaintiffs argue defendant Moreover, conclusive maintain limitation 'narrowest kind review,' occurs resulted oral argument. Tr. Oral Arg. 24-25, 39-40. confirmed Corporations Act societies parts larger Similarly, Diocese's manifested supported, submission bylaws, proposed changes, judgments originally elevated signed Episcopal-Hierarchical Oath swore "always obedient Most Assembly" and: "Should transgress whatever promised disobedient Divine Ordinances Order Bishops) I, personally, entrusted Bishops), my (episcopal) excuse gainsay, (may I) alien heavenly gift unto Spirit Consecration Laying Hands." 1088. Three witnesses, including author field Indeed inconsistently insists extant executed Oath, 9, Supra, promulgated beginning agrees formalize promulgate quoted Supra 699. Various reaffirm status g., 2, 23, 53. exerts voice 699-700. rejecting provision, treated administrative, particular, "(t)hese lists 15, listed "under restricted reorganizing simply 14. institution system. documents, 701. construction restricting alterations itself. "formal title" 370, 501 defrocking change continues Dioceses; identity altered determinations. am persuaded, moreover, demonstrated text, applications persons contractually ruling association obtain Here assumed al.: Had abide here. others all. conclusions correct, "Watson rule" brandishes freely facts arisen

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