August 29, 2024
Late Wednesday all parties in the Jonesboro First United Methodist Church (JFUMC) lawsuit agreed to a walk-away settlement thus ending the nearly two-year legal battle over who is the rightful owner to the property and other assets belonging to Jonesboro First United Methodist Church.
In December of 2022, the church led by Rev. John Miles, now known as Jonesboro First Church sued the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church claiming they were the rightful owners of all property and assets after their vote to disaffiliate had been rejected by the Arkansas Conference the previous month.
On July 8th of this year, Judge Arnold approved a motion for summary judgement on behalf of the Arkansas Conference and Jonesboro First United Methodist Church, now led by Rev. Michael Roberts. In the agreement reached Wednesday night the aforementioned ruling confirming ownership of all property and other assets remains in place. In addition JFUMC will receive $1.1 million, while all parties agree to drop any further legal action pertaining to this matter. “I am grateful for all whose efforts have brought this case to a close by mutual agreement. I will continue to pray for First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro as they heal and move forward,” shared Bishop Laura Merrill.