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Partial Reversal In Case of Woman Injured During Altar Call

By Howard M. Friedman

In Dadd v. Mount Hope Church and International Outreach Ministries, (MI Ct. App., April 9, 2009), a Michigan appellate court affirmed a jury's negligence award, but reversed its award in false light, libel and slander claims. The suit was brought by a Lansing, Michigan woman against her church and its pastor for injuries she suffered when, answering a call to the altar, she was "slain in the spirit" and collapsed. She also alleged that the pastor made derogatory remarks about her orally and in writing after the incident, including allegations she was attempting to commit insurance fraud. (See prior posting.) The court said that while the church has no general duty to protect all congregants who participate in services from injury, here the pastor made it clear that ushers were specially trained to catch people who fall during an altar call. However, on the defamation claims, the court held that the trial court should have instructed the jury on qualified privilege. Friday's Detroit Free Press reports on the decision. [Thanks to Brian D. Wassom for the lead.]

Full post as published by Religion Clause on April 12, 2009 (boomark / email).