Thibodeau v. American Baptist Churches

Opinion

BEACH, J.

The first amendment to the constitution of the United States and article first, § 3, of the constitution of Connecticut prohibit the state’s involvement in the internal doctrinal matters of religious organizations. The first amendment, however, does not necessarily confer to religious organizations immunity from liability arising from tortious conduct. Though courts may not intervene in or authoritatively decide doctrinal matters, courts necessarily must decide whether, in a given case, abstention is appropriate. Here, the plaintiff, Timothy Thibodeau, appeals from the…