TX Supreme Court Rules Against Bill Gothard and the Institute for Basic Life Principles

“Attempting to dismiss the recent lawsuit from Merritt and Doty, Gothard and IBLP petitioned for writ of mandamus, arguing the case should be dismissed because it violates the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine. Grounded in the First Amendment’s Free Exercise clause, this legal principle says that courts should not decide on religious matters, including issues regarding theological controversy, church governance, or internal church discipline.” - MinistryWatch