In religious arbitration, scripture is the rule of law across the United States

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Michael Corkery and Jessica Silver-Greenberg

When word got out that some of the early Christians had strayed, the Apostle Paul was concerned. Among their grave offenses: incest, prostitution and suing one another in court. Christians should not take their problems before “unbelievers,” Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians. Disputes should be resolved inside the church. Centuries later, Paul’s writings inspired a group of lawyers in Los Angeles to develop the practice of Christian conciliation. For generations, religious tribunals have been used in the United States to settle family disputes and spiritual debates. [link]