Document: 396 U.S. 367 90 S.Ct. 499 24 L.Ed.2d 582 The MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA ELDERSHIP OF the CHURCHES GOD et al.v.The CHURCH AT SHARPSBURG, INC., al. No. 414. Jan. 19, 1970. Alfred L. Scanlan, James H. Booser and Charles O. Fisher, for appellants. Arthur G. Lambert, appellees. PER CURIAM. 1 In resolving a church property dispute between appellants, representing General Eldership, appellees, two secessionist congregations, Maryland Court of Appeals relied upon provisions state statutory law governing holding by religious corporations,1 language in deeds conveying properties question to local corporations, terms charters constitution Eldership pertinent ownership control property. 254 Md. 162, A.2d 162 (1969).2 Appellants argue primarily that statute, as applied, deprived Eldenship violation First Amendment. Since, however, court's resolution involved no inquiry into doctrine, appellees' motion dismiss is granted, appeal dismissed want substantial federal question. It so ordered. 2 Appeal dismissed. 3 Mr. Justice BRENNAN, with whom DOUGLAS MARSHALL join, concurring. 4 I join per curiam but add these comments. We held Presbyterian Church United States v. Mary Elizabeth Blue Hull Memorial Church, 393 440, 449, 89 601, 606, 21 658 (1969), 'First Amendment values are plainly jeopardized when litigation made turn on civil courts controversies over doctrine practice. If undertake resolve such order adjudicate dispute, hazards ever present inhibiting free development implicating secular interests matters purely eccelesiastical concern. * (T)he (First) therefore commands decide disputes without underlying doctrine.' follows State may adopt any one various approaches settling long it involves consideration doctrinal matters, whether ritual liturgy worship or tenets faith. 5 Thus approach Watson Jones, 13 Wall. 679, 20 L.Ed. 666 (1872), enforce decisions within congregational polity 'by majority its members other organism ahve instituted purpose ecclesiastical government,' id., at 724 hierarchical highest authority has ruled issue,1 unless 'express terms' 'instrument which held' condition property's use specified manner.2 Under do not inquire relevant body power under Such determination, unlike identification body, frequently necessitates interpretation ambiguous usage. To permit probe deeply enough allocation where places would violate much same manner determination doctrine.3 Similarly, identity bodies exercise general matter controversy, make usage be essential controversy. words, consonant prohibitions only if appropriate can determined questions extensive policy. 6 '(N)eutral principles law, developed all disputes,' supra, 440 provide another means 'formal title' determine studying deeds, reverter clauses, corporation laws. Again, their application requires issues. For example, denomination's reversion church, conditioned finding departure from could civilly enforced.4 7 A third possible passage special statutes arrangements precludes interference doctrine. must carefully drawn leave policy, well bodies.5 Kedroff St. Nicholas Cathedral, 344 94, 73 143, 98 120 (1952). Md.Ann.Code, Art. 23, §§ 256—270 (1966 Repl.Vol.). court reached decision May 1968. 249 650, 241 691. This vacated remanded case 'for further light *.' 528, 850, 750 (1969). definition, 722—723, exists 'a congregation *, nature organization, strictly independent associations, far government concerned, owes fealty obligation higher authority.' Hierarchical polity, hand, 'the subordinate member some organization there superior tribunals ultimate more less complete, supreme judicatory whole membership organization.' Id., 722. Except cannot enforced enforcement constitutionally impermissible Church. Any Watson, read contrary disapproved. Only express conditions effected enforceable. examine rulings alleged product 'fraud, collusion, arbitrariness.' Gonzalez Roman Catholic Archibishop, 280 1, 16, 50 5, 7, 74 131 (1929). normally resolves applying have different method cases involving provisions, perhaps defined Watson. By token, following find ground decision, impossible immersion issues polity. See, e.g., Goodson Northside Bible 261 F.Supp. 99 (D.C.S.D.Ala. 1966), aff'd, 387 F.2d 534 (C.A.5th Cir. 1967).

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