Thread by @Mmontsealvarado

#BREAKING: Just now the Supreme Court of Texas announced it will decide whether a church can be sued for defamation by one of its clergy in retaliation for the church disclosing to its members that the clergyman is “credibly accused” of sexual abuse. (1/8)

In Diocese of Lubbock v. Guerrero, the plaintiff, a Catholic clergyman, sued for defamation after the Diocese of Lubbock included him on a list of credibly accused clergy. (2/8)

The lower courts sided with Guerrero, exposing the Diocese of Lubbock to millions of dollars in damages because it warned the Catholic faithful about Guerrero’s credibly-accused status. (3/8)

The lower courts said that because the Diocese published the information in a way that could be seen by even a single non-member, the statement was “outside the confines” of the church, and could be used to sue the Church. (4/8)

Churches shouldn’t lose their ability to communicate transparently about clergy misconduct because a non-member hears about it. This would put live-stream worship and open worship services on the chopping block. Church happens outside the four walls of a building. (5/8)

The lower courts’ strange view runs directly counter to Pope Francis’ (@Pontifex) and @USCCB’s specific call for far greater transparency on issues of clergy abuse. (6/8)

Recognizing the stakes, numerous Protestant groups, Jewish groups, Texas legislators, and noted legal scholars have joined the Diocese in asking the Supreme Court of Texas to reverse the lower court’s ruling. @for_jewish @TXCatholic

We are glad the Supreme Court of Texas is taking the case and are optimistic that the Diocese—and #religiousfreedom—will prevail. No church should be punished for transparency. #MeToo (8/8)