- A breakaway group took control of the Naperville Korean UMC building in 2023
- It halted the church’s disaffiliation process, which carried a $1.43 million payment
- A court ordered the property returned in March 2024
- A settlement was reached in October 2024
A bitter fight over a Korean congregation’s church building in Illinois has been settled, UM News reported in November 2024.
In May 2023, a faction at Naperville Korean United Methodist Church, led by licensed local pastor Kihwan Choi, halted the church’s disaffiliation process, which involved a payment of $1,429,457.98, took control of the building and barred remaining members and conference staff from entering. The Northern Illinois Conference sued in October 2023. A court issued a temporary injunction on March 21, 2024, ordering the property returned, and a settlement was reached on October 4, 2024. The congregation is now Woori Naperville United Methodist Church.
“With the lawsuit behind us, we can return to the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Dan Schwerin. Dr KP Chung said: “God is right, just and righteous. We were thrilled and welcomed the settlement.”
The Rev Nadan Cho said: “I feel like an unfinished business is ultimately over.”
Church property disputes are among the most painful in congregational life, and often end up in secular courts. When a church divides, the questions of who holds title, who controls the keys and who pays the debts quickly become legal matters.
Jamaican churches have seen their own property disputes after splits and leadership changes. Clear title, trust deeds that define who owns and controls the property, up-to-date records of trustees, and constitutions that explain what happens in a division can prevent a disagreement from turning into a lockout and a lawsuit.
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