Missouri District Church of the Nazarene v. First Church of the Nazarene of Caruthersville

DANIEL E. SCOTT, Chief Judge.

This litigation arises from a church rift and resulting dispute over ownership of church property. The circuit court decided the various claims and counterclaims by summary judgment, but on the record before us neither party proved its right to judgment as a matter of law. We reverse and remand.

Background 1

Missouri District Church of the Nazarene (“District”) sued First Church of the Nazarene of Caruthersville and others (collectively “First Church”) for ejectment, quiet title, and breach of fiduciary duty. The petition alleged in part that:

• First Church “is a…