Knotts v. Williams

Toal, Justice:

This Litigation is the product of an intra-congregational dispute between two factions at First Baptist Church of Willis-ton. The Plaintiffs, led by William E. Knotts, seek to remove Defendant, Pastor Doug Williams. Defendants want the pastor to remain.

The appeal arises from orders issued by the trial judge in an attempt to bring about an arbitrated settlement of this tragic church division.

This case raises important questions about the propriety and limits of governmental intrusion into the internal affairs of a church.

For the reasons below discussed, we conclude that the…