McGuire v. Trustees of St. Patrick's Cathedral

The complaint in this action avers that John McGuire died intestate February 19, 1888, “in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church.” The latter fact is denied by answer, and the learned counsel for plaintiff admits it “to be the •only issue in the case about which there is any controversy.” It appeared on the trial that the defendants had refused interment because McGuire had not ■died in the faith or communion of the church, and the plaintiff gave proof tending to show that he did. Thus arises the first and most important inquiry, whether or not this is a question proper for decision by this court. The point was not raised by any issue in Coppers' Case, consequently was not discussed, and furnishes here the only additional subject for consideration. It certainly is not a fact to be proven, but at most a conclusion resultant from a specific religious belief, indicated, so far as may be, by individual action conforming with established tenets of the church. What treatise upon principles of the common law or equity jurisprudence, what commentaries upon statutory enactments, are to be consulted to forward and aid judicial investigation? To place in the strongest light, assume proofs to have been given that the intestate regularly attended church services, held detailed articles of religious faith, still there is no legal principle or authority for a civil tribunal to adjudge him to have been a member of the Roman Catholic Church. I know of neither adjudication nor commentary to inform the court what articles of faith and what course of life are absolutely essential to, or what derelictions in performance of religious duty or backsliding in faith may depose from, the position. It seems impossible that civil tribunals can be called upon to exercise their functions in a'domain so foreign to judicial knowledge. NTo better illustration can be had than in the case at bar. The evidence on plaintiff’s behalf tended to show that the intestate infrequently attended church, and received the sacraments. Suppose he did, what is and whence flows the principle of law whereunder he is .to be decreed in the Roman Catholic faith at his death? Manifestly there is no fountain of legal knowledge upon that subject. Plainly the question is without the limit of judicial investigation. There have been submitted extracts from the writings of learned theologians, and edicts from councils of the church, showing to my mind what is the nature of the question at issue, and what must be the proper tribunal for its decision. In my opinion, its nature is purely religious, appropriate for decision by the empowered authorities of the church. Amongits officials will be found the tribunal. In the writings of the learned expounders of doctrinal faith and rules of spiritual life, with which conformity is shown by visible act, must .appear the principles appropriate for investigation, and necessary as a foundation for intelligent and conscientious decision. There is no injustice done by remission to such a forum, because the claim of membership in the faith necessarily subjects a claimant to the jurisdiction of ecclesiastical authority, represented by those who are officially its exponents and representatives.

In Robertson v. Bullions, 9 Barb. 64 , this court was held without power to remove an officer of a religious corporation, or to disfranchise a member. Being unable to pass upon a member’s right to vote, much less is there authority to adjudicate upon membership itself. There is authoritative supervision in the courts over those who manage temporal properties, resting upon principles of contract and trusteeship. Upon this proposition maybe cited Shannon v. Frost, 3 B. Mon. 253 , directly ruling that the court “could not decide who ought to be members of the church, nor whether the excommunicated ■have been regularly cut off.”

There is another argument leading to a similar conclusion. It was shown ■on the trial that a decision upon the right to ecclesiastical burial in this instance had been made by the ordinary of the diocese, who is the controlling local authority. In my opinion, the court should not, and will not, review rthat or any decision upon matters of faith, discipline, or doctrine. Whatever .relief there may be must come by appeal to higher church authority, as pro

•vided by the judicatory procedure oí the church! In Reformed Church v. Seibert, 3 Pa. St. 282 , the court said: “The decisions of ecclesiastical courts, like every other judicial tribunal, are final, as they are the best judges of what •constitutes an offense against the Word of God and the discipline of the •church. Any other than those courts must be'incompetent judges of matters •of faith, discipline, and doctrine; and civil courts, if they should be so unwise as to attempt to supervise on matters which come within their jurisdic:tion, would only involve themselves in a sea of uncertainty and doubt which ■would do anything but improve either religion or good morals. ” Again, in Bouldin v. Alexander, 15 Wall. 139 , the court say: “This is not a question • of membership of the church, nor of the rights of members as such. It may be conceded that we have no power to revise or question ordinary acts of •church discipline, or of excision from membership. We have only to do with xights of property. ”

To my mind these adjudications fully support the views I have expressed and the conclusion reached. Decree for defendants, dismissing complaint, with costs.