Virginia Supreme Court dismisses McLean Bible Church appeal in membership lawsuit

The Virginia Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by McLean Bible Church regarding a lawsuit initiated by longtime members. The legal dispute centers on the church's 2021 elder election, with plaintiffs alleging they were improperly denied their right to vote. The court’s ruling, issued October 2, did not address the merits of the case but instead cited a procedural failure to properly file the notice of appeal.

Following the dismissal, the case will return to the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Plaintiffs intend to pursue limited discovery to determine if the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine—which generally prevents secular courts from intervening in religious disputes—applies to this situation. Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that the matter is a contract dispute regarding the church’s constitution, which grants voting rights to members unless they have missed eight consecutive worship services. The church has reportedly filed a motion for the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.