Dear John,

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.

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