This past week the media inaccurately reported about First
Liberty's involvement in a case involving some former church
members seeking their tithes and money back that they had contributed
to their church (Gateway Church). Let me clear up the facts regarding
us. The Dallas Morning News published a false statement (repeated by
other outlets) connecting us, as if we were representing the parties
in the case, and we asked them to issue a correction, which they have
now done.

We do not represent Gateway's former pastor Robert Morris and
have never represented him; nor do we represent Gateway Church or any
other party in that case.

The case involves plaintiff lawyers representing a group of people who
want their tithes back because they allege the Church did not spend
enough on mission work; it has nothing to do with any other issue. As
experts in religious liberty, we filed a friend-of-the-court brief
informing the judge about an important religious liberty issue at play
in the case - the First Amendment's church autonomy or
ecclesiastical abstention doctrine - which if wrongly decided could
impact all churches across America. Click here for a link to our
brief.

[link removed]

In essence, this constitutional doctrine prevents secular courts from
deciding religious issues, such as whether a church is properly
following the call of the Holy Spirit in its budgeting. This
well-established doctrine rooted in over 150 years of constitutional
law applies to lawsuits involving disputes between parishioners and a
church regarding tithes and the correct percentage to be given to
mission work. Secular courts have no jurisdiction over such matters.
Allowing plaintiff lawyers to succeed against the church would set a
precedent to open the floodgates for litigation against all churches.

Unfortunately, we live in times where the media has its own agenda and
is often careless and wrong in what it says. Just know that we are
working hard to protect the religious freedom of all churches and
houses of worship nationwide, including yours.

Thank you for your support as we continue to fight for religious
liberty.

Gratefully,

Kelly

Kelly Shackelford, Esq.
President, CEO & Chief Counsel
First Liberty Institute

? 2025 First Liberty | 2001 W. Plano
Parkway, Suite 1600 | Plano, TX 75075
972-941-4444 | Fax: 972-423-6162 | Email: [email protected]

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