Question from a reporter

[Volokh, Eugene]

A reporter asked me:  "Is it my imagination, or are denominations and
members increasingly turning to the courts to settle disputes.  [I've
seen]  current disputes within the Catholic, Episcopal, Missouri
Lutheran faiths -- and there are doubtless more that I don't know about.
There are issues of personnel and property.   Does anyone track such a
thing, or has the issue been studied?"  I didn't have an answer, but
offered to ask on-list.  Any thoughts on this?  Thanks,
 
Eugene