A judge has put on hold the effects of an earlier ruling in the ongoing legal battle between the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) and the Missouri Baptist Foundation.
On Jan. 26, Cole County Circuit Court Judge Byron Kinder issued a stay of a Dec. 31 order so that outgoing Judge Paul Wilson’s decision could be appealed to the Missouri Court of Appeals and possibly to the state Supreme Court.
In December, Wilson ruled in MBC’s favor that the foundation did not have the right to file amendments it made to its charter in October 2001 without MBC approval. Kinder’s stay means the foundation can continue to operate as it has since the MBC filed legal action against it in 2002. The foundation has 40 days from the December ruling to file an appeal.
“While this routine legal process continues, the foundation will conduct its business as it always has with a strong commitment to serving the best interests of its clients and all Missouri Baptists,” foundation Interim President Stephen Mathis said in a written statement.
If allowed to stand by the higher courts, Wilson’s ruling would require the foundation to return to its 1994 charter and articles of incorporation, and trustees not elected under its provisions would have to give up their seats. (ABP)
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