UPC District board suing church in MS.? - Page 2

Rhoni · #11 10-31-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minister_WD

It was recently brought to my attention that an influential UPC church, that followed the by laws it had set up for years, was brought under pressure by the WPF to disafilliate. Some board members were upset and joined their district board to sue the pastor to maintain affilliation. After appearing in court, it seems the church had properly followed their by-laws and the court refused to get involved. Do you think it is acceptable for board members and, particularly, the district board to file suit against their "brother?"

This is not the first time a lawsuit has been brought against a UPCI church trying to disaffiliate. It isn't ethical nor is it Biblical...but they are just a manmade organization which makes decisions based on financial assets.

Blessings, Rhoni

Sister Alvear · #12 10-31-2008, 09:43 PM

sad that things like this happen.

Sam · #13 10-31-2008, 09:57 PM

In my opinion, this should be settled within the church, and not brought to secular courts. That would be "Plan A."

Some times "Plan A" can't be accomplished and we feel like we have no recourse but to go to "Plan B" which would take it before a secular court. Churches are usually incorporated and given non profit status in compliance with laws and our secular legal system, so we're already tainted by the secular legal system whether we like it or not. Some times the only recourse we have is to go have something like this settled by a secular judge who should be impartial.

Weary Pilgrim · #14 10-31-2008, 11:43 PM

Preachers suing preachers,what a testimony to the world.
Another black eye for the Apostolics if this hits the media.

Threads · #15 10-31-2008, 11:55 PM

I'm surprized that ST Mark wasn't all over this.

George · #16 11-01-2008, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threads

I'm surprized that ST Mark wasn't all over this.

I believe St. Mark has been ill the past few days.

George · #17 11-01-2008, 12:06 AM

I think there are too many holes in this story to pass judgment. It seems on the surface it is about disafilliation but I would bet there is a whole lot more to this story. If the church board was suing with the support of the district board, there must have been some issues with the pastor. District boards usually don't stand against a pastor unless they have knowledge of a serious issue.

tv1a · #18 11-01-2008, 06:17 AM

I'm curious how much support was given by the district. It could be the "support" was more like encouragement rather than an endorsement of the course taken. Was there an official vote of support by the district? Too many unanswered questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by George

I think there are too many holes in this story to pass judgment. It seems on the surface it is about disafilliation but I would bet there is a whole lot more to this story. If the church board was suing with the support of the district board, there must have been some issues with the pastor. District boards usually don't stand against a pastor unless they have knowledge of a serious issue.

Amos · #19 11-01-2008, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George

I think there are too many holes in this story to pass judgment. It seems on the surface it is about disafilliation but I would bet there is a whole lot more to this story. If the church board was suing with the support of the district board, there must have been some issues with the pastor. District boards usually don't stand against a pastor unless they have knowledge of a serious issue.

That may be true in many places, but not in Mississippi.

The board there has historically taken the side of the church most of the time.

The prevailing mindset is that they can always get another preacher somewhere, but the saints have to stay there.

MissBrattified · #20 11-01-2008, 10:17 AM

1. Taking it to secular courts is entirely out of line with scripture. I don't care if the cause is just or not. Unless there is some sort of criminal act involved, the governing agencies shouldn't be involved.

2. I agree; we don't have all the facts. It's hard to call it one way or the other as to who is right. Some pastors deliberately set up their bylaws to give themselves more control than the organization, but obviously this pastor made the mistake of countering his own authority with a board that doesn't consist of "yes men."

There's more to this story, no doubt.