New York Consolidated Laws, Religious Corporations Law - RCO § 225-l. Conveyance of property

Whenever it may become necessary or advisable to mortgage or dispose of any church property, the trustees may mortgage or sell and convey the same by first securing the authority of the society for such sale or mortgage and the approval of the district superintendent of the district in which the church is located, and obtaining leave of the supreme or county court therefor pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;  provided that in all cases the proceeds of such sale or mortgage shall be used either for the payment of debts or for the purchase or improvement of property for the same uses and deeded to the same corporation;  or if not so used, shall be held subject to the order of the annual conference in whose territory such property may be situated.  Provided however that, if the deed of the property to be sold shall convey the property to the local corporate society to be held in trust for the use and benefit of the membership of the Free Methodist Church of North America, it shall also be necessary for the trustees to secure the consent of the free Methodist general conference of North America, or in the intervals of its sessions, of such person or persons as are authorized by said general conference to grant such permission, in order to mortgage or sell and convey such property.