NEW YORK (RNS) — The hearing marked the first step in a second lawsuit filed against the Abyssinian Baptist Church over the election of the Rev. Kevin R. Johnson.

FILE - Al Sharpton speaks during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack's life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church on Monday, March 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) ...

Lauryn Hill performs during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack’s life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church on Monday, March 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) ...

Lauryn Hill of the Fugees performs during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack’s life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church on Monday, March 10, 2025, in New York.

Flack’s memorial was open to the public at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, a historic Harlem institution. Founded in 1808, it is one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the U.S.

Flack’s memorial was open to the public at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, a historic Harlem institution. Founded in 1808, it is one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the U.S.

Lauryn Hill of the Fugees performs during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack’s life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church on Monday, March 10, 2025, in New York.

Flack was honored at New York’s Abyssinian Baptist Church on Monday afternoon, following the Grammy-winner’s death at age 88 in February.

Lauryn Hill performs during a ceremony in celebration of Roberta Flack's life at The Abyssinian Baptist Church on Monday, March 10, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) ...