09/03/2026
"We want to provide a final update regarding the lawsuit filed in July 2022 by 106 United Methodist churches against the Conference Board of Trustees, our bishop, and other officers and employees of The Florida Conference." ~ FLUMC
Florida Supreme Court Declines Review,
Bringing Church Lawsuit to a Close
Dear Florida Conference clergy and laity:
We want to provide a final update regarding the lawsuit filed in July 2022 by 106 United Methodist churches against the Conference Board of Trustees, our bishop, and other officers and employees of The Florida Conference. The lawsuit sought to allow the churches to separate from The United Methodist Church while retaining their property without following the disaffiliation process then provided in Paragraph 2553 of The Book of Discipline.
In April 2023, the Circuit Court dismissed the lawsuit, concluding that Florida’s civil courts lacked jurisdiction to resolve what constituted an internal church governance and property dispute. On April 8, 2026, the First District Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed the trial court’s dismissal. The appellate court confirmed that Florida follows the hierarchical church and ecclesiastical abstention doctrines and therefore civil courts defer to the governing polity and decisions of a hierarchical church in matters involving its internal governance and property.
The remaining five churches subsequently asked the Florida Supreme Court to review the appellate decision. On August 14, 2026, the Florida Supreme Court declined to accept jurisdiction and denied the remaining churches’ petition for review. The Court also said it would not consider any motion for rehearing. By declining jurisdiction and denying that request, the Supreme Court has allowed the appellate ruling to stand as the final decision in the case. This decision concludes the case in Florida’s state courts and leaves intact the rulings of the trial court and the First District Court of Appeal.
The practical effect of these rulings is that in Florida, The Book of Discipline, including its Trust Clause, continues to govern the relationship between local churches and The United Methodist Church. The courts have confirmed that The United Methodist Church is hierarchical in structure and that civil courts may not substitute their judgment for the denomination’s governing processes in internal church property and governance disputes. We are grateful that this lengthy legal process has concluded and that the constitutional boundary between civil authority and the church's internal governance has been respected.
We recognize that this litigation has been part of a difficult and painful season in the life of the church. As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting our congregations and clergy and focusing together on our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Florida Conference is thankful for the careful work of its Board of Trustees, legal counsel, clergy, laity, and staff throughout this process. With the litigation now concluded in Florida’s courts, the Conference looks forward to continuing its ministry with clarity, faithfulness, and hope.
If you have any questions about this development, please contact Rev. Alex Shanks at [email protected].
