Church Property Disputes/Denominational Splits
Navigating a Schism: An Analysis of the Texas Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision in Southern Methodist University v. Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
The legal dispute between Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the United Methodist Church’s (UMC) South Central Jurisdictional Conference is a multifaceted case rooted in a century-old relationship. At its core, the conflict arose from SMU’s unilateral decision in 2019 to amend its articles of incorporation and declare independence from the UMC, a move that directly contravened the university’s founding documents. This action, which was precipitated by the UMC’s internal doctrinal conflicts over LGBTQ+ issues, sparked a protracted legal battle that ascended to the Texas Supreme Court.
August 16, 2025
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