Furmanski v. Iwanowski

Citations

• 265 Pa. 1
• 108 A. 27
• 1919 Pa. LEXIS 485

Syllabus

<p>Evidence — Sufficiency—Findings of fact — Varying methods of expression.</p> <p>1. Wien there is sufficient evidence to sustain a fact found by the proper tribunal, varying methods of expression in regard thereto are unimportant.</p> <p>Church law — Church tribunals — Determination of scope and, effect of laws — Conclusiveness—Summary removal of pastor — Loss of salary — Right to formal accusation and trial — Jurisdiction of courts — Review.</p> <p>2. In matters relating to a church or other voluntary organization its members are bound by and required to conform to its laws, and the scope and effect thereof are conclusively determined by its appropriate tribunals selected for the purpose.</p> <p>3. If by the laws of a voluntary organization, an official may be summarily removed from his office, the fact that he will thereby be deprived of fees which he would have received had he remained in the office, will not entitle him to a formal accusation, hearing and trial before removal.</p> <p>4. If the right to summarily remove an official exists, the incidental effect of a loss of fees or salary will not change that right into a wrong, or give the courts jurisdiction to interfere in the matter.</p> <p>5. The decision of the two judges in O’Hara v. Stack, 90 Pa. 477, disapproved, and that of the court in Stack v. O’Hara, 98 Pa. 213, affirmed.</p> <p>Churches — Incorporation—Effect—Church laws — Appointment and removal of pastor.</p> <p>6. Obtaining a corporate charter for the purpose of the support of public worship according to the faith, doctrine and usages of a particular church, is an express recognition of the right of the proper officials to appoint and remove its pastor in the manner prescribed by its laws.</p>