Document: 443 U.S. 595 99 S.Ct. 3020 61 L.Ed.2d 775 R. W. JONES, Sr., et al., Petitioners,v.Charles T. WOLF al. No. 78-91. Argued Jan. 16, 1979. Decided July 2, Syllabus This case involves a dispute over the ownership of church property following schism in local affiliated with hierarchical organization. The Vineville Presbyterian Church Macon, Ga. (local church), is held names or trustees for church. That church, however, was established as member Augusta-Macon Presbytery United States (PCUS), which has generally form government. Under polity PCUS, government committed to its Session first instance, but actions this "court" are subject review and control higher courts (the Presbytery, Synod, General Assembly). At congregational meeting attended by quorum church's members, 164 them voted separate from while 94 opposed resolution. majority then united another denomination retained possession property. appointed commission investigate dispute, eventually issued ruling declaring that minority faction constituted "true congregation" withdrawing "all authority exercise office derived [PCUS]." Representatives brought class action state court, seeking declaratory injunctive orders establishing their right exclusive use PCUS. trial purporting apply Georgia's "neutral principles law" approach disputes, granted judgment majority. Georgia Supreme Court affirmed, holding court had correctly stated applied law rejecting minority's challenge based on First Fourteenth Amendments. Held: 1. As means adjudicating State constitutionally entitled adopt analysis involving consideration deeds, statutes governing property, charter, general constitution. Amendment does not require rule compulsory deference religious resolving even where no issue doctrinal controversy involved. Pp. 602-606. 2. Here, must be remanded since grounds courts' decision represents were articulated, both having neutral-principles developed cases disputes between churches entire congregations, without alluding significant complicating factor present congregation itself divided. If fact adopted presumptive representation, defeasible upon showing identity determined some other means, would consistent Amendment. However, there at least indications under process identifying considerations doctrine polity, thus if provides here according laws regulations requires give presbyterial commission's determination congregation." 606-610. 241 208, 243 S.E.2d 860, vacated remanded. E. Barrett Prettyman, Jr., Washington, D. C., petitioners. Frank C. Jones, Atlanta, Ga., respondents. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion Court. 1 question whether civil courts, Amendments Constitution, may resolve basis law," they defer resolution an authoritative tribunal 2 * organized 1904, incorporated 1915. Its corporate charter lapsed 1935, revived renewed 1939, continues effect time. 3 located acquired three transactions, evidenced conveyances "Trustees [or 'for'] successors office," App. 251, 253, simply "Vineville Church." Id., 249. funds used acquire contributed entirely members. Pursuant resolutions congregation, repeatedly borrowed money indebtedness security deeds variously name Church," e. g., id., 278, or, again, 299. 4 In same year it organized, (PCUS). PCUS connectional government, contrasted form. assembly Assembly, respectively. powers duties each level hierarchy set forth constitution Book Order, part record case. 5 On May 27, 1973, duly enrolled them, including pastor, Ninety-four members immediately informed action, denomination, America. Although remained rolls years, ceased participate affairs conducted activities elsewhere. 6 response within and, possible, it. written "the true 235. took inquiry, did appeal tribunal. 7 sought relief federal complaint dismissed want jurisdiction. Lucas v. Hope, 515 F.2d 234 (CA5 1975), cert. denied, 424 967, 96 1464, 47 734 (1976). They Georgia, law, Amendments, affirmed. 860 (1978). We certiorari. 439 891, 247, 58 L.Ed. 237 II 8 litigation evolved Hull Church, 393 440, 89 601, 21 658 (1969) (Presbyterian I ), rev'g Eastern Heights 224 61, 159 690 (1968). two withdrawn resolved applying theory implied trust, whereby organization deemed trust provided "substantially abandoned" tenets faith practice existed time affiliation.1 reversed, have find way draw into controversies. specify what method should be, although noted passing "there neutral all can 'establishing' awarded." U.S., 449, S.Ct., 606. 9 remand, concluded that, departure-from-doctrine element, abandoned entirety. 225 259, 167 ). place, now known disputes. examined properties, dealing trusts, Ga.Code §§ 108-106, 108-107 (1978), Order determine any favor Finding nothing rise these documents, awarded legal title, 261, S.E.2d, 660. Review again Court, denied. 396 1041, 90 680, 24 685 (1970). 10 further refined Carnes Smith, 236 30, 222 322, 429 868, 97 180, 50 148 concerned Methodist II, found trusts. observed, Discipline, contained express provision church.2 basis, denominational 39, 328. 11 case, facts presented controversy. those earlier cases, conveyed neither nor indicated interest And here, contrast Carnes, provisions concerning failed reveal language accordingly title vested congregation. Without elaboration, decreed represented faction, respondents herein. Pet. Cert. 9a.; 212, 864. III 12 only formerly possess enjoy 2193 Avenue There little doubt about question. obvious legitimate peaceful providing forum conclusively. I, 445, 604. 13 It also clear, severely circumscribes role play disputes." Most importantly, prohibits practice. Serbian Orthodox Diocese Milivojevich, 426 696, 710, 2372, 2381, 49 151 (1976); Maryland & Va. Churches Sharpsburg 367, 368, 499, 500, 582 (1970); corollary commandment, issues highest Diocese, 724-725, 2387; cf. Watson 80 679, 733-734, Wall. 20 666 (1872). Subject limitations, dictate follow particular Indeed, "a one various approaches settling so long matters, ritual liturgy worship faith." Churches, 500. (BRENNAN, J., concurring) (emphasis original). 14 outline, we think foregoing constitutional principles. approved supra, Appeals terms charters, entailed "no inquiry doctrine," substantial "Neutral received approving reference 606; BRENNAN's concurrence 370, 501; 723 n. 15, 23873. 15 primary advantages completely secular operation, yet flexible enough accommodate forms polity. relies exclusively objective, well-established concepts familiar lawyers judges. thereby promises free entanglement questions doctrine, Furthermore, shares peculiar genius private-law systems general—flexibility ordering private rights obligations reflect intentions parties. Through appropriate reversionary clauses provisions, societies happen event contingency, body will manner, ensure accord desires 16 say application wholly difficulty. method, examine certain such constitution, undertaking examination, take special care scrutinize document purely terms, rely precepts determining indicates parties intended create trust. addition, deed, incorporates relating interpretation instruments controversy, ecclesiastical body. 709, 2380. 17 balance, promise nonentanglement neutrality inherent more than compensates occasional problems application. These problems, gradually eliminated recognition given obligation "States, organizations, individuals [to] structure relationships questions." therefore hold dispute. 18 dissent abandon instead insist matter whenever arises "authoritative itself." Post, 614. require, first, "placed ultimate property." 619. After answering question, required "determine been so, made." 619 6. enforce decision. cannot agree, 19 suggests somehow involve less matters practice, administration. approach, always administration unit task prove difficult. But others, locus ambiguous, "[a] careful examination constitutions well relevant [would] necessary ascertain governance association." 619-620. suggested appear searching impermissible polity." 723, 2387. contrast, obviates need argues order protect "of who formed association submitted themselves authority." 618. argument assumes frustrate free-exercise association. Nothing could truth. said "inhibit" religion, do manner own hire employees, purchase goods. outcome foreordained. before erupts, ensure, desire, loyal retain modify include reversion Alternatively, made recite burden involved taking steps minimal. bound result parties, embodied legally cognizable form.4 IV remains viewed contains absent cases. divided withdraw wished maintain affiliation. Neither alluded problem, however; discussion rather minority. 22 Petitioners earnestly submit representative answered court. least, said, like factions Respondents, opposition, argue ordinary presumption indication contrary, voluntary 23 Majority employed societies. See Bouldin Alexander, 82 131, 69 identified Certainly, when arose, present, final vote. representation overcome, either providing, way, remain overcoming majoritarian presumption, impair entangle controversy.5 explicitly adopting representation.6 Moreover, "church government," "is whole regulations." 33, 38, 325, 328; see 22-5507, 22-5508 All suggest Church" named sets out Such determination, pass doctrine,7 usurp function already petitioners represent Therefore, "laws regulations" identity.8 25 course, declare is. Since unarticulated, vacated, proceedings inconsistent opinion. 26 ordered. 27 POWELL, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE, STEWART, WHITE join, dissenting. 28 presents among appears accept thought superimposes new rules make likely invite intrusion forbidden 29 begins stating "[t]his property," ante, 597, suggesting concern equitable real sense. issue. place none questioned validity deeds. actually titleholder, later acknowledges. Ante,, 602. 30 1872 usually complex, two-stage today, newly defined titled affiliated. is, grant councils not, recognized. latter situation, second stage becomes applicable. Again, fragments substeps purpose 31 inevitably increase involvement controversies, departs long-established precedents, dissent. A. 32 operates restrictive evidence. A (if one), book discipline organization, object "to [is] church." Ante, 600. court's investigation "completely secular," "rel[ying] judges." 603. Thus, documents books "for church," trust." follows using consider intrachurch stated, relation law.1 33 One Court's evidentiary deny evidence polity—that governance—adopted tend drawn precepts. Attempting read "in terms" promote confusion understanding. expressed specific statements referring rule. Lacking evidence, presumably impose law. example, unqualified consequence, acceptable relationship, imposed 34 limiting relative justified ground "free[s] practice." For unless resolves underlying authority, effectively reversed decisions accordance resulted disagreements 233. authoritatively gave schismatic courts. indirect interference proscribed direct practice.2 35 When step support overturn itself. analysis, attractive banner principles," invites latter. proper decision, settled until agreed arose. B 36 basic isolating concept Because central premise, suffices settle unanimous Where, reveals split factions, unresolved: church? acknowledges part, Presbytery. 608-609, 7. consistently Amendment, Jones adherence necessitate reversal 609. requiring approves alternative law: "adop[t] means." 607. proving "provid[ed], way." 607-608. 37 face, rebuttable faction. commits Having shown rebutted left vote 38 nevertheless declines reversal. Rather decide principles, leaves open possibility might render petitioners' inadequate overcome control. 608 5. But, aside opinion,3 affords guidance limitations rule; says, constitutional. 39 "Indeed, controversy." 608. 40 essence, instructions remand allow choice long-settled rule-unspecified Court—that view Not important depart travel course totally uncharted 41 Disputes arise almost invariably regarding nature interfere religion doctrine. 720, 2380-2385, 445-446, 604, 606, (1969); Kedroff Saint Nicholas Cathedral, 344 94, 107, 73 143, 149, 120 (1952); 121-122, 157 (Frankfurter, concurring). Kreshik 363 190, 1037, 1140 (1960); Eldership 254 Md. 162, A.2d 162 (1969), achieves requirement acceptance reached chosen themselves. classic statement Wall., 728-729:4 42 "The organize associations assist expression dissemination tribunals controverted association, individual officers unquestioned. unite consent vain lead total subversion bodies, aggrieved reversed. essence unions, establish arising themselves, binding cognizance, appeals organism for." 43 Accordingly, property—the focus directly ascertaining, following, governance. By doing avoids equally unacceptable departures genuine mandated First, refrains revision underlie relate property.5 Equally important, recognizing interfering indirectly authority. 612-614; 728-729; 107-110, 149-151. 44 Until authorities, accepted schism, placed property.6 recognized broad categories congregational, rests 724-726. hierarchical, integral subordinate larger hierarchy, considered Milivojevich: 45 "[T]he permit organizations internal matters. exercised created direction Constitution them." 2387, 2888 added).7 46 reason restrict related limited clear: autonomous, unreviewable (and property) inseparably integrated church.8 prior afford clear us. presbyterian, presbyterian consists of, ascending order, (1) Session, composed elders church; (2) several geographical area; (3) Presbyteries State; (4) body." 442, subjects "review control" authorizing replace leadership winnow membership, No gives PCUS; similarly, section exempts 48 many management instance removing dissidents office, asserting undisputed Church—accepted schism—the settled, occasion directs. directed enter sometimes referred "English approach" churches. 443, 603; 727-728, Discipline ¶ 1537 (1968), "title owned hereafter unincorporated . shall and/or transferred elected nevertheless, benefit Church. Every instrument conveyance estate contain clause (¶ 1503)" added). clause, absence (a) agency predecessor (b) community (c) pastorate ministers 1503.5. satisfied conditions. common-law heavily relied dissent, Miller, speaking regardless "obvious duty" "express will, ownership. 722-723, 722-723. Given clearly enunciated intent claim retroactive infringes rights. adopts how, overcome. critical undetermined, we, unlike representation. Code corporation: adhere doctrines withdrawal original body, uniting relinquishment abandoned." § 22-5504 defendants (respondents here) section. 6a. mention provision. Issues pervade (1972) corporation communing active roll" 6-2; 35. "active roll," turn, admitted Lord's Table life work." 8-7; 38. power suspend exclude Supper delinquent, Rules Discipline." 15-6(2); 51. 111-2; 124. 14-5; 49, Presbytery's "order whatever pertains spiritual welfare care." 16-7(19); 56. suggestion product "fraud" "collusion." 713, 2382 circumstances, mandate disturb Despite assertion 602-603, principles" dismissing appeal, (1969). charters churches, issue, statutes. search law; Md., 169-176, A.2d, 168-170. Rather, canvassed sources, 249 650, 665-668, 691, 700-701 information God. congregations accordingly. Contrary "ecclesiastical 605, doctrine." passing, never described. What refers "approving reference" (1976), acknowledgment footnote "[n]o 'formal title' decided case." Nor position 724-729, assume requirements types Amendment's Religion Clauses, meant interference, difficult questions. fashioned avoid ensures odds creates difficulties. imposes additional inhibit formation forcing organizers confront otherwise arise. precipitate existing deem necessary, light today's revise extension exacerbate exercise. 612-614. treated independent specified explicit regarded voting often overturned squared applicable through Erie Co. Tompkins, 304 64, 817, 1188 (1938), diversity beginning 116, 154, announced rooted 447-448, 605; 710-711, 2381. forbade because longstanding 449-450, accord, 727-729. Similarly, turned "which our [only] tribunals." 2380; 2385. made. Accord, 113-114, 153; 727. Kauper, Autonomy Amendment: Case, State: 90-92, 97-98 (P. Kurland ed. 1975). prerequisite deciding "searching quoting quite different. There, clear. 715-717, 2383-2384. faithfulness hierarchy's detailed 712-713, 718, 721-723, 2381-2382, 2386-2387; 725, 2387 (WHITE,

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