This question, and the related issue of “trust clauses” which, if enforceable, give control over local church property to national denominations, has become a matter of heightened interest.

Theological divisions within American mainline churches elevate such earthly questions to a critical concern. This book offers an indispensable guide to navigating the troubled waters surrounding potential court disputes over local church property ownership and use.

Leading scholars, theologians and attorneys from the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Methodist Church and the Episcopal Church (USA), experienced in advising on church property issues, have collaborated to create this timely and useful volume. With clarity and insight, Raymond J. Dague, Peggy M. Hedden, Robert L. Howard, Lloyd J. Lunceford, R. Wicks Stephens II, Thomas C. Oden and Parker T. Williamson furnish essential orientation and share instructive steps to help evaluate and resolve competing claims to church property.

Accurate. Thoughtful. Practical.

A must read for every mainline church pastor, officer and trustee – and their legal counsel.