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.
On September 14, the judge granted the motion to dismiss, and the order was filed in New Hanover County on September 15.
“We are incredibly pleased with the judge’s ruling. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated legal team and all those who have shown grace, discernment, and support throughout this process,” said Bishop Connie Shelton.
The NC Conference is actively pursuing opportunities to continue serving the community meaningfully through this location.
The Harbor District Superintendent, Rev. Tara Lain, stated, “We are eager to refocus our efforts on our core mission and join the amazing things God is doing in Wilmington as we reach out and meet the community’s needs through this United Methodist location.”
The former members of Fifth Avenue UMC have appealed the ruling, and the Conference will respond appropriately to the appeal.
Read below the briefs and signed court order.
Read the Complaint filed against the Conference (PDF)→
Read the Motion to Dismiss filed by the Conference (PDF)→
Read the Affidavit in Support submitted by Bishop Connie Shelton (PDF)→
Read the Affidavit in Support submitted by DS Tara Lain (PDF)→
Read the Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss and Opposition to Motion for Preliminary Injunction (PDF)→
Read the Memorandum in Support of Motion for Discovery Stay (PDF)→
Read the Plaintiff’s Brief in Support of Request for Preliminary Injunction (PDF)→
Read the Plaintiff’s Brief in Opposition to the Motion to Dismiss (PDF)→
Read the Plaintiff’s Exhibit 1 (PDF)→
Read the Plaintiff’s Exhibit 2 (PDF)→
Read the Plaintiff’s Exhibit 3 (PDF)→
Read the Plaintiff’s Exhibit 4 (PDF)→
Read the Plaintiff’s Exhibit 5 (PDF)→