The Tennessee Supreme Court has agreed to hear the Southern Baptist Convention’s appeal in a case involving claims of defamation and invasion of privacy linked to an SBC abuse inquiry. Preston and Kellie Garner sued the SBC, Guidepost Solutions, and others after a 2022 abuse report led the SBC Credentials Committee to contact Garner’s church about his employment. The Garners allege the inquiry damaged Garner’s reputation and cost him two jobs.
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The SBC argues it is protected under the First Amendment’s church autonomy doctrine, which shields religious organizations from court interference in matters of faith, doctrine, or governance. Lower courts rejected that claim, prompting the SBC’s appeal. Several religious groups have been granted permission to file amicus briefs supporting the SBC.
Becket senior counsel Daniel Blomberg told Baptist Press the case is about preserving the right of churches to respond to misconduct without fear of intrusive litigation. Oral arguments will follow briefing.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This report is a summary of a story written by Brandon Porter and originally published by Baptist Press.
