Florida Partner Obtains Favorable Appellate Ruling in Religious Defamation Case

Fort Lauderdale Partner Andrew S. Connell, Jr. obtained a favorable appellate ruling in the Florida Second District Court of Appeal for our clients, a faith-based conference and its former Associate Conference Minister, in a case involving the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine.

Plaintiffs, a former Senior Minister at a Pinellas County church, and his wife, brought claims against multiple defendants, including our clients, sounding primarily in defamation for statements allegedly made in connection with a credentialing fitness review.

Litchfield Cavo Partner, Andy Connell, served as lead trial counsel for our clients and was also part of a multi-firm appellate team. Andy Connell argued that Plaintiffs’ claims were intertwined with theological controversy and ecclesiastical governance, and, therefore, barred as a matter of law by the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine, also known as the Church Autonomy Doctrine. The Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine is rooted in the U.S. Constitution and prevents courts from interfering with the internal affairs of religious organizations. This doctrine preserves the exercise of religious freedom and prohibits excessive government involvement with religion.

In April 2026, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal agreed with our Partner’s arguments and held that Plaintiffs’ claims against our clients were barred as a matter of law by the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine, and directed the trial court to dismiss Plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice.

Andrew S. Connell, Jr. assists clients with complex litigation throughout the United States and internationally. He represents self-insured businesses and insurance companies in all types of liability matters, including premises liability, products liability and motor vehicle liability cases.