Preliminary Injunction In Michigan Church Dispute

The AP today reports on a preliminary injunction issued on Nov. 27 by Kalamazoo, Michigan County Circuit Judge J. Richardson Johnson giving the Western Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church access to the building of the Lane Boulevard Church over the objection of members of the congregation who voted to remove "Methodist" from the church's name. The church was originally independent, but later joined the Evangelical United Brethren Church which in 1968 merged with the United Methodist Church. That makes the church subject to the hierarchical authority of the United Methodists. However the congregation has been at odds with the United Methodists over management issues and the movement's liberal social positions. The move to leave the United Methodist movement was triggered by the denomination's plan to remove the congregation's pastor. The dispute will come to trial next year.