Church represented by majority; effect of withdrawal of part of congregation

The majority of those who adhere to its organization and doctrines represent a church. The withdrawal by one part of a congregation from the original body or the uniting of a part of a congregation with another church or denomination is a relinquishment of all rights in the church abandoned. (Civil Code 1895, § 2360; Civil Code 1910, § 2833; Code 1933, § 22-406; Code 1933, § 22-5504, enacted by Ga. L. 1968, p. 565, § 1.) History of Code section. — The language of this Code section is derived in part from the decision in Bates v. Houston, 66 Ga. 198 (1880).