Divine Detachment: Beachy v. Assemblies of God and a New Interpretation of the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine

Authors

Juarez McLeod JohnsonFollow

Publication Date

Winter 12-1-2025

Abstract

In the landmark case of Beachy v. Mississippi District Council for Assemblies of God, the Mississippi Supreme Court redefined its interpretation of the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine—marking a pivotal shift in church-state jurisprudence. Traditionally, this doctrine instructed courts to defer to the highest internal authority of a church when deciding disputes within hierarchical religious organizations. However, the court’s decision in Beachy significantly departed from this principle by designating the local pastor and congregation as the supreme authority over local church affairs, even within a hierarchical structure.

This Casenote explores the profound implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling, focusing on its impact on church autonomy and the broader legal landscape. Although the Beachy Dissent reached a more technically accurate interpretation of the doctrine, the Majority pursued a socially conscientious application more favorable from a public policy standpoint. This Note analyzes how the majority’s approach benefits local churches and denominational hierarchies, fostering local church autonomy and leading to increased (rather than decreased) denominational affiliation. It also examines how the court’s decision protects minority religious beliefs from encroaching religious monopolies and simplifies courts’ application of the doctrine while safeguarding religious denominations’ property rights. Time will tell, however, whether the court’s decision truly detached the Mississippi judiciary from religion or instead serves to sacrifice impartiality on the altar of autonomy.

Recommended Citation

Johnson, Juarez McLeod (2025) "Divine Detachment: Beachy v. Assemblies of God and a New Interpretation of the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine," Mississippi College Law Review: Vol. 43: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://dc.law.mc.edu/lawreview/vol43/iss1/7