Texas Supreme Court vindicates pastor

[Pressing-On]

This is great news for the church!


Texas Supreme Court vindicates pastor who practiced church discipline

Allie Martin
OneNewsNow.com
July 2, 2007

A Texas pastor who was sued after exercising church discipline has been handed a victory by that state's supreme court. The lawsuit was brought by a church member who refused to repent following a divorce and remarriage.

According to the lawsuit, Peggy Penley was a member of Crossland Community Bible Church in Fort Worth when she had a relationship with another man and desired to divorce her husband. In accordance with the church's disciplinary process, Crossland Community Pastor Buddy Westbrook eventually sent a letter to church members, informing them of Penley's unrepentant attitude and disassociating the congregation from Penley. She sued the church, the elders, and Pastor Westbrook, claiming the pastor violated confidentiality statutes.

More of the story: http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/07/te...vindicates.php

[Pressing-On]

Didn't anyone think this was awesome? It sets a precedent for reference in future lawsuits!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Didn't anyone think this was awesome? It sets a precedent for reference in future lawsuits!!!!!!

Doesn't anyone realize how sad this is? It's great that a secular court decided correctly that pastors are immune from lawsuits in this regard but the woman in question compounded her sins even more by adding to it the sin of taking another Christian to court - contrary to 1 Corinthians 6.

Church history provides plenty of examples of what happens when State and Church get involved with each other. We absolutely don't want some secular government trying to dictate to churches how they're to conduct their affairs!

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Chan

Doesn't anyone realize how sad this is? It's great that a secular court decided correctly that pastors are immune from lawsuits in this regard but the woman in question compounded her sins even more by adding to it the sin of taking another Christian to court - contrary to 1 Corinthians 6.

Church history provides plenty of examples of what happens when State and Church get involved with each other. We absolutely don't want some secular government trying to dictate to churches how they're to conduct their affairs!

That is true, Chancellor. It is sad, BUT the court didn't side with her and I am astonished that they didn't - having such a secular mindset.

They could have totally pounded that church on the " confidentiality". It's the most secular and business thing to do, but they didn't.

So, I'm still happy and amazed. This lawsuit can be used for reference in the future and I am glad about that - anyway.

But, again, yes, she did violate scripture and it shows that she couldn't win against that either!