Dermody v. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

OPINION

ACREE, JUDGE:

This appeal arises from a summary judgment in favor Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) relating to an action claiming slander and libel brought by a former employee, Roger Dermody. Appellate review requires consideration and application of the ecclesiastical-abstention doctrine and ministerial exception. After review, we affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (PC(USA)) is the corporate entity for the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States. The highest ecclesiastical governing body of PC(USA) is the General Assembly which oversees…