Purdum v. Purdum

I concur in-the majority opinion but write separately to explain why I believe tire church autonomy doctrine—also known as ecclesiastical abstention—is applicable in this case. Undoubtedly, this is a difficult question and I sincerely respect the opinions expressed by bodr of my colleagues. Nevertheless, I believe that under die unique facts presented in tíiis defamation case—which arises out of an annulment proceeding filed in the Roman Catholic Church—we must decline to exercise subject matter jurisdiction out of respect for church autonomy. To do otherwise would excessively entangle the…