I think that must be only in the USA. Here in the UK, as far as I am aware, no church is "incorporated."
That is interesting. It may be a U.S. thing. There was a big push among churches (80 years ago?) to incorporate, so members could avoid personal lawsuits, liability, should a church be sued.
Here in Missouri, about 30 years ago, the Missouri Baptist convention (Southern Baptist) began a long court battle with itself.
The way the Missouri Convention was structured, there were several properties and ministries that were under the authority of the convention.
The convention would meet annually and, according to its charter, leadership would appoint trustees on a rotating basis to oversee the operations of those entities.
When the “conservative resurgence” occurred (more conservative leadership was elected to power), one of the entities trustees (Windermere resort facility) voted to become self appointing, to keep conservatives out, clearly violating the charter.
The property was several hundred acres on the Lake of the Ozarks worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Missouri Convention sued, and lost over and over again in secular court. I’m not sure if the litigation has ever been resolved.
I do believe it has caused great harm to the cause of Christ.
Peace to you
