‘Church Militant to shut down following $500,000 defamation lawsuit brought by priest’
Church Militant, a controversial Catholic media outlet known for its combative coverage of Catholic figures and issues, will cease operations next month after a $500,000 defamation judgment against it. The lawsuit was brought by Father Georges de Laire, the judicial vicar of the Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire, over an article published in 2019 that falsely portrayed him negatively. The media outlet’s parent company, St. Michael’s Media, has agreed to the judgment and will shut down Church Militant by the end of April 2024.
The article in question, titled NH Vicar Changes Dogma Into Heresy, falsely claimed negative statements about Father de Laire, but the writer and the outlet were unable to provide any evidence to support these claims. Father de Laire pursued legal action against both parties, leading to the significant defamation judgment.
This decision comes in the wake of the resignation of Church Militant founder Michael Voris last year, citing a morality violation. Voris alluded to personal struggles he needed to overcome, prompting his departure from the company he founded in 2006. The recent lawsuit and resulting shutdown mark the end of Church Militant’s contentious presence in the Catholic media landscape.
Following these developments, many are left to wonder about the future of Catholic media and the implications of defamation in journalistic practices. The fallout from this case could have a lasting impact on how Catholic media outlets operate and the importance of upholding ethical standards in reporting.
As Church Militant prepares to close its doors, the Catholic community reflects on the consequences of sensationalist journalism and the need for responsible and respectful media coverage within the Church. The legacy of Church Militant serves as a cautionary tale for media organizations to prioritize truth, integrity, and transparency in their reporting moving forward.
