Austin- The Texas Supreme Court today ruled 9-0 in favor of a Fort Worth pastor, in a landmark case protecting the religious freedom of all pastors and churches.
“We conclude that the secular confidentiality interest Penley’s professional-negligence claim advances fails to override the strong constitutional presumption that favors preserving the church’s interest in managing its affairs,” wrote Justice O’Neill, who delivered the opinion of the Court.
Mrs. Penley, who had been a member of a Fort Worth area church, sued Pastor Westbrook over a letter he coauthored to the church members disassociating the congregation from Mrs. Penley. According to church bylaws, she unapologetically acted contrary to biblical teachings regarding marriage and the church pursued a discipline process based upon Bible Scripture.
“The U.S. Constitution protects the right of a church to choose its members and govern itself in any manner it chooses according to doctrine and faith, without government interference,” said Hiram Sasser, Director of Litigation for Liberty Legal Institute. “The Court upheld pastors’ constitutional right to inform other church members of the influence of sin on church members and the steps being taken to address such sin.”
Pastor Westbrook and church elders sent a letter to the members of the Crossland Community Bible Church on November 7, 2000, informing them of Mrs. Penley’s decision to terminate her marriage without any biblical basis and a biblically inappropriate relationship with another man. The letter explained the biblical authority for disciplinary action against her and the disciplinary process outlined in Scripture. Subsequently Mrs. Penley sued, taking offense. The Texas Supreme Court denied Penley relief, refusing to interfere in the internal affairs of a church.
“This is a great victory for all pastors and churches across Texas,” said Kelly Shackelford, Chief Counsel of the Liberty Legal Institute.
READ THE TEXAS SUPREME COURT DECISION
The Liberty Legal Institute is a legal organization committed to the defense of religious freedoms and First Amendment rights. For more information or a copy of the opinion, visit our website at www.libertylegal.org. Or to set up an interview, please call Aimee at 972-423-3131 x102 or e-mail media@libertylegal.org