Classis of Central California v. Miraloma Community Church

This case brings to light a variation on a local church’s effort to disaffiliate from a national denomination. The church’s bylaws confirmed that it was subject to and governed by the constitution of the denomination, and forbade amending or modifying this provision “in any manner” absent the written consent of the entity within the denominational hierarchy that oversaw the church. Seeking to accomplish an end run around these provisions, the governing board of the local church attempted to amend its articles of incorporation and bylaws to sever its denominational ties. Applying neutral principles of law, the trial court ruled that the local church did not have the power to amend its governing documents to terminate affiliation with the national denomination, and the oversight entity was empowered to supersede the church’s governing board. In light of these rulings, the court entered a permanent injunction forbidding certain actions. On appeal, appellants profess their right under state corporations law to amend the church’s governing documents and control its affairs. We conclude under established California law that the disaffiliation attempt was ineffective and the…