polity approach
polity approach. A method of resolving church-property disputes by which a court examines the structure of the church to determine whether the church is independent or hierarchical, and then resolves the dispute in accordance with the decision of the proper church-governing body. [Cases: Religious Societies 11, 14. C.J.S. Religious Societies §§ 5, 38–42, 85–86, 88–92.]