As the General Assembly gathers, one question stands before every member, minister, bishop, officer, committee member, and Overseer: If Mother Mary Magdalene Tate submitted herself to the laws, rules, and government of the Church, who today claims to be exempt? This open letter examines Page 2 of the Decree Book and calls for accountability at every level of leadership.

Churches are spiritual institutions. But when they incorporate as nonprofit organizations, they also become legal entities. Doctrine is protected. Money, property, and corporate governance are regulated. Courts do not decide theology. But they do examine whether a nonprofit followed state law, its own governing documents, and basic fiduciary duties. When those standards are ignored, the issue is no longer spiritual disagreement. It is legal compliance. Nonprofit Law Still App

Thesis Elder financial exploitation within religious institutions is a critical public health issue because it (1) inflicts profound psychological and financial harm on vulnerable older adults, (2) constitutes a serious breach of ethical and fiduciary duty by trusted leaders, and (3) exposes significant gaps in elder protection laws and reporting systems that leave victims without adequate safeguards. This Matters for Public Health Financial exploitation is the illegal or imp