Texas Statute Imposes Liability on Some Ministers and Churches

Focus is on cases of sexual misconduct; Texas Civil Practice
and Remedies Code, title 4, § 81.001 et seq.
[Seduction of Counselees and Church Members, Negligence as a Basis for Liability, Denominational Liability]

Article summary. The Texas legislature has enacted a statute that imposes criminal liability on some ministers who engage in sexual contact with counselees. The statute also imposes potential liability on a minister's employing church.

The Texas legislature has enacted a statute that provides for the criminal liability of some ministers who engage in sexual misconduct with counselees. The statute also provides for employer liability under certain conditions. Here is a summary of the statute's key points:

Application to ministers

The law provides that a mental health services provider is liable to a patient or former patient of the mental health services provider for damages for ...