Key point 6-10.04. Courts willing to intervene in disputes challenging the discipline of a church member have granted a variety of remedies to an improperly disciplined member, including reinstatement or monetary damages for defamation or emotional distress.
1. DECISIONS REFUSING TO RECOGNIZE A LEGAL REMEDY
Obviously, courts that follow the rule of non-intervention in internal church membership determinations will not provide disciplined or dismissed members with any legal remedy since no cognizable legal harm has occurred.[326] See, e.g., John v. Estate of Hartgerink, 528 N.W.2d 539 (Iowa 1995) (defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress); Glass v. First United Pentecostal Church, 676 So.2d 724 (La. App. 1996) (defamation, intentional ...
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