2509. Instituting and Defending Civil Action--Because of the nature of The United Methodist Church (114) no individual or affiliated Church body or unit, nor any official thereof, may commence or participate in any suit or proceeding in the name of or on behalf of The United Methodist Church, excepting, however, the following:
1. Any person or Church unit served with legal process in the name of The United Methodist Church may appear for the purpose of presenting to the court the non-jural nature of The United Methodist Church and to raise issues of lack of jurisdiction of the court, lack of capacity of such individual or unit to be served with process, and related Constitutional issues in defense of denominational interests.
2. Any denominational unit authorized to hold title to property and enforce trusts for the benefit of the denomination may bring suit in its own name to protect denominational interests.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
1992 Book of Discipline: ¶ 2509
1996 United Methodist General Conference