In the February 5, 2025 edition of the New York Law Journal, partners Barry Black and Christopher Byrnes explore the potential pitfalls of using arbitration to resolve religious disputes. Noting that while arbitration offers advantages like flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and privacy, it can be unpredictable and may not always be suitable for resolving disputes within religious organizations. The article also discusses the legal complexities surrounding religious disputes, including the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, which limits the involvement of secular courts in such matters. The authors propose a hybrid approach that combines litigation and arbitration, offering a more balanced and secure way to resolve disputes within religious organizations. Read the full article here: Potential Pitfalls in Arbitrating Religious Disputes
