Thirty-three West Virginia congregations have suffered a legal setback in their efforts to leave the United Methodist Church while retaining their buildings and assets.
In a November 4 decision, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia blocked a lower court from reopening the congregations' lawsuit against regional denominational leaders. The justices concluded that resolving the claims would require civil courts to interpret church law, exceeding their constitutional authority.
The congregations filed suit in 2024 after the UMC's General Conference removed restrictions on same-sex weddings and gay clergy. Their complaint alleged that West Virginia Conference officials had assured them they could wait until after that gathering to withdraw with their property.
According to the churches, they relied on those assurances but were subsequently told they would have to surrender their property to leave. Their lawsuit included allegations of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and conspiracy.
Writing for the court, Justice Charles S. Trump IV explained that the allegations challenged the conference's interpretation and application of denominational rules. The court concluded that the claims did not qualify for the narrow exception permitting review when fraud or collusion procures a final church adjudication.
The ruling prevents enforcement of a March 13 order reopening the case, leaving the earlier dismissal in place. It addresses the civil court's authority to hear the dispute rather than determining whether the alleged promises were made.
The dispute follows a substantial departure of congregations from the UMC. More than 7,600 churches left between 2019 and the end of 2023. A temporary disaffiliation provision expired on December 31, 2023, and the denomination's Judicial Council later ruled that its church-closure procedure could not serve as an alternative route for withdrawal with property.
Responding to the decision, the West Virginia Conference welcomed the court's affirmation of church governance protections and said it remained committed to supporting its congregations.
