Smith v. Kelly

Head, Justice.

1. Courts are reluctant to interfere with the management of a church. When church property is devoted to a specific doctrine, the courts may prevent it from being diverted from such use. Code, § 22-408. In the present case a diversion from a specific doctrine is not alleged, nor is it alleged that the church property is being used for purposes contrary to the provisions in the deed to the original trustees.

2. The constitution and laws of the church organization are not pleaded or made a part of the petition; nor are facts alleged sufficient to enable a court of equity to…