* A Tennessee court ruled that the statute of limitations barred a former youth pastor from suing his former church following his conviction and imprisonment for child molestation. A man (Eric) lost his job as a youth leader and Sunday School teacher at a church after his arrest for aggravated sexual battery and solicitation of a minor. Eric was found guilty and sentenced to jail. He appealed his conviction, claiming that his arrest was in retaliation for his reports of sexual abuse against other leaders of his church. A trial court dismissed the lawsuit because it had been filed after the statute limitations had expired. A state appeals court agreed, and rejected Eric’s contention that the prison law library had inadequate resources to apprise him of the statute of limitations. Simmons v. Gath Baptist Church, 109 S.W.3d 370 (Tenn. 2003).

© Copyright 2004 by Church Law & Tax Report. All rights reserved. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. Church Law & Tax Report, PO Box 1098, Matthews, NC 28106. Reference Code: m67 m40 c0404