WILMINGTON, NC—In a hearing in New Hanover County Superior Court on September 7, motions were considered in the case filed against the NC Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) by former members of Fifth Avenue UMC over the closure of the church. At the end of the hearing, the judge took the matter under advisement.

“We respect the judge’s decision to take this case under advisement and appreciate the thorough consideration being given to the matter,” said Bishop Connie Shelton.

Rev. Tara Lain, the Harbor District Superintendent, said, “We remain patient and confident that the judge will carefully weigh all the facts and legal arguments before rendering a verdict.”

We will update further when the judge issues her ruling.