Baber v. Caldwell

Intra-congregational strife in the Level Green Christian Church incited this litigation. The complainants, representing a majority of the congregation, brought suit to establish their right to control the activities of the Church and the use of its property. The trial Court denied the complainants any relief, however, and upheld the right of the minority group to control the Church activities and property as prayed in its cross-bill.

Virginia law recognizes the right of a majority of the members of a divided congregation to control the use of the church property if the church, in its…