Expert: Michael Troy - 4/29/2008

Question
Hi yes your previous answer very helpful, Do you have any suggestions about When and how are churches libel, and held accountable in their internal operations for abuse of power, false accusations that bring unjust sanctions, or coersive tactics that punish their members for disagreeing with unethical behavior? Or are they able to do all of the above and worse with impunity under the umbrella of the first amendment? Is there any retribution for those who are persueded into membership subjected to harmful internal operations,  where no whistleblower protections exsit, and without full knowledge of the policies and procedures?

Answer
Churches are free to be unfair to members, run things in an unfair way, etc.  Church members are, of course liable if they violate neutral laws that apply to everyone.  For example, if they slander or libel someone's good name, they can be sued for such.  If they misappropriate funds or disobey tax laws, they can be prosecuted.