Legal Question in Personal Injury in Colorado

Can you sue a church?

A church has used a photo that was taken upon becoming a member in their weekly flyer that is distributed to all church members asking the members to pray for this church member because she is demon-possessed. This is a result of the member verbalizing concerns about confidentiality during a church meeting.The pastor and members became upset and now ''selected members'' call her house and stop by frequently for ''prayer'' sessions to ''cast out demons''. First, can they use her photo in that manner without her permission? Second, are they (the Church) allowed to communicate their beliefs about this member among the church and around the religious community without regard to the affects on the person's whole life not just their church life? Third, who would legal charges be filed against, the church or the pastor, or church member acting on behalf of the church? Lastly, do preachers have a ''creed'' that prohibits sharing information disclosed to them in confidentiality? If so, what happens if they breech? This affected person(s) has become visibly disturbed and feels infringed. Because the community has posting with her face on it warning all to beware of the devil. Now she's depressed, not able to go to church,etc.


Asked on 10/12/05, 3:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Marc Reisman Rosenblum & Reisman, P.C.

Re: Can you sue a church?

There is an argument that you are a victim of slander, a verbal form of defamation. This would be a most unusual case, but if you would like to speak about slander laws, invasion of privace, unauthorized use of your likeness, and the such, I would be glad to speak with you.

Marc Reisman

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Answered on 10/13/05, 10:35 am


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