African Methodist Episcopal Church v. Clark

25 La. Ann. 282

• Court: Supreme Court of Louisiana
• Decided: April 15, 1873
• Docket: No. 2855
• Status: Published

Opinion

Ludeling, C. J.

This suit is brought by the trustees and incorporators of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a duly organized corporation in the State of Louisiana, to prevent M. M. Clark from -officiating or exercising any authority whatever as pastor of the St. James Chapel, and to restrain him from interfering with the government, control and possession of the said church house.

The defendant contends that the object of the original incorporators was to unite with the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States, and he guided in the administration of its affairs by the doctrines and discipline of the general organization; and that in .accordance with said discipline he was appointed by the Bishop of 'Louisiana pastor of St. James Chapel, and that he can not be discharged or dismissed from said position by the trustees or incorporators.

The judge of the district court thought otherwise, and we agree with him.

Under the charter of the corporation this right is expressly conferred upon the incorporators. But in the absence of any provision on ■the subject, they would have had the power. It is one of the incidents ■of their ownership of the St. James Chapel.

“Neither the Pope nor any bishop has, within this State, any authority except a spiritual one; and the courts of justice sit to enforce civil obligations only; they never attempt to coerce' those of a spiritual •character. We must content ourselves with considering the defendant in his civil relations to the plaintiffs.” 4 R. 68.

It is therefore ordered and adjudged that the judgment of the district court be affirmed, with costs of appeal.

Rehearing refused.