Beulah Missionary Baptist Church v. Spann

I agree with the majority that the circuit court did not abuse its discretion by refusing to allow additional evidence on the eligibility of voters. However, I would hold that part of the circuit court’s order exceeded the court’s jurisdiction.

Courts have jurisdiction to resolve questions concerning property rights but do not have jurisdiction to resolve purely ecclesiastical questions. Berry v Bruce, 317 Mich 490; 27 NW2d 67 (1947); White v Mount Beulah Baptist Church, 319 Mich 392; 29 NW2d 774 (1947); United Armenian Brethren Evangelical Church v Kazanjian, 320 Mich 214; 30 NW2d 842 (1948);…