We’ve written more about the ecclesial abstention doctrine this year than I have in my entire career in religious journalism. Increasingly, secular courts are appealing to this doctrine to dismiss — or avoid — cases that present thorny debates among…
Appeals court dismisses defamation claims against Gateway Church
The Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals ruled Aug. 19 to dismiss all but two of sexual abuse survivor Cindy Clemishire’s defamation claims against Gateway Church and its elders. The lawsuit, which was filed in June 2025, names as defendants…