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Church & State Issues/Slander from church members

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Expert: - 1/31/2008


Question
I live in Michigan and my family has been slandered by members of a church in front of the congregation. This was witnessed by my brother-in-law and his wife.These people who did the slandering are the ex-in-laws of another brother-in-law of mine, he was also slandered. No one in attendance made any attempt to stop this verbal abuse. I would like to know if the church, elders and deacons can also be held liable for the action taking place in the church? Who would you recommend contacting to try to resolve this matter? RCA? or ACLU? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ken,

A person who makes slanderous remarks could be sued.  It would be much harder to make a case against others who simply allowed it to happen.

If you wanted to take legal action, you would probably need to retain a private attorney to bring a civil suit.

I hope this helps!
- Mike  

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Michael Troy

Expertise

I can answer any question relating to freedom of religion or the Establishment Clause. My specialties involve religious discrimination by government in allocation of benefits, usually in the educational area. I cannot give specific legal advice on specific cases you may have.

Experience

I have participated in the litigation of a number of religious freedom/Establishment Clause cases, including Rosenberger v. Univ. of Virginia and Columbia Union College v. Clarke.

Organizations
Former Attorney with Center for Individual Rights

Publications
Washington Post
Washington Times

Education/Credentials
JD from Univ. of Michigan Law School

Awards and Honors
Truman Scholar

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