Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulpit
 

Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulpit
Sun Dec 07, 2008




Pastor can't sidestep defamation suit



A defamation lawsuit against Pastor Rick Godwin and his North Side congregation, Summit Christian Center, cleared a hurdle Monday when a judge denied a request by Godwin's attorneys to throw it out on grounds it was an internal religious matter.

Larry Nail, a former church member from Boerne, claims Godwin defamed him last year when the pastor — from the pulpit — accused him of bribery. Nail, who tried to expose how Godwin was spending church money, also claims Godwin defrauded him by misrepresenting how donations would be spent.

Godwin, whose church used to be called Eagle's Nest Christian Fellowship, has denied wrongdoing, citing scriptural authority to discipline Nail for being spiritually divisive. The case has yet to be set for trial by State District Judge Barbara Hanson Nellermoe, who made Monday's ruling after more than two days of testimony from eight witnesses.

Godwin has declined repeated requests for an interview.

Nail's attorneys said Monday's decision shows that federal and state laws don't give a pass to ministers to commit defamation in the name of religion.....

Nail is among dozens of former church members who left the congregation after reports by the Express-News last year that raised questions about Godwin's spending of church money for personal items. The spending included thousands of dollars from a fund designated for mission and outreach for luxury hotel stays, charter jet travel and expensive gifts to elders and other associates, some of whom set the pastor's compensation.

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

Im wondering...should I discuss this or shouldn't I? Another round of accusations of preacher bashing or not? Hmmmm

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

What in the world are you talking about

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

If anyone would like the link to read the full story on this, let me know

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

Is he related to Guy or Greg?

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

I think you should go back to your cooking thread or start a quilting thread for Dan. :christmoose

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

A quilting or a quiting thread?

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

I don't like the way this suit is going.

I wish it was thrown out by the courts.

For the courts to get involved in a case like this could have over unintended far reaching effects on the local congregation.


Why do people take churches and Pastors to court over the frivolous?

Mark, please post the link.

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

I think this is great!!!

Re: Mega Pastor Sued for Defaming Member From Pulp
 

It isn't frivolous to sue for being defamed nor is it frivolous to sue for misappropriation of funds.

When churches become more like businesses than churches then business... is business.