Court says separation of church and state bars suing faith-based marriage counselors

[Ian David]

Court dismisses suit against FW pastor

BRIEFS

08:01 AM CDT on Saturday, June 30, 2007

From Wire Reports

AUSTIN – Saying it would be unconstitutional for judges to interfere in a church's internal affairs, the Texas Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a lawsuit filed by a woman who was furious that her pastor told church elders and the congregation about her extramarital relationship.

The high court's 9-0 ruling reversed an appeals court's finding that Peggy Penley could sue the Rev. C.L. "Buddy" Westbrook, pastor of the CrossLand Community Bible Church in Fort Worth, for professional negligence because he was acting as her marital counselor and not as her pastor.

Justices said it would be difficult to separate those roles.

Allowing judges to wade into the dispute would violate the church's First Amendment right to govern itself, they said.


http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-tswbriefs_30tex.ART.State.Edition1.44014a0.html


You know what this means?

It means that the faith-based initiative can use taxpayer money to fund so-called "healthy marriage" programs, and then if those programs screw-up, nobody can sue them.

So much for creating a "level playing field."

[Toots]

1. "the church's First Amendment right to govern itself, they said."

I don't seem to find that clause in the first amendment. What I see is all are governed equally and you can't descriminate on the basis of religion. I don't see where it says religion can establish it's own goverment which is not applicable to the Laws of the United States Government. 9-0 truly amazing.. Sort of like Cheney setting up his own branch of government..good thing these nine are not going to rule in anything about Cheney.

[msongs]

2. those religions people are so wonderful arent they? nt