Satan — defined in Webster’s New World Dictionary as “great enemy of man and of goodness; the Devil; usually identified with Lucifer, the chief of the fallen angels” — is at the root of a defamation lawsuit that was dismissed by lower courts but reinstated by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The controversy began in March 1999, when the Rev. Jerrold Swinton, former United Methodist Church district superintendent, visited the Shell Rock, Iowa church to investigate reports of a “strife within the congregation.” During the visit, church member Jane Kliebenstein told Swinton the current pastor “must leave the community.”

Swinton, who was very disturbed by these comments, wrote a letter that was signed by the members of the Staff Parish Committee and mailed to both members and nonmembers of the church.

“I was in despair when Jane Kliebenstein made an effort to whisper scornfully to me that this pastor must leave Shell Rock … Folks, when is enough, enough? When will you stop the blaming, negative and unhappy persons among you from tearing down the spirit of Jesus Christ?,” Swinton wrote in the letter.

“When the congregation of Shell Rock is ready to acknowledge they allowed the spirit of Satan to work in their midst, express some contrition and seek help — then help will come,” the letter continued.

It went on further to suggest that a “Church Conference” be called to establish disciplinary procedures to strip Kliebenstein of church offices.

Kliebenstein responded to this letter by filing a defamation suit against the United Methodist Church.

The Free Exercise and Establishment clauses of our federal and state constitutions do not allow civil court interference in disciplinary and governance matters of a religious entity. Communications among members of a religious organization concerning conduct of its members or officers are also privileged under these clauses.

The controversial point, and also the core, of the lawsuit lies in the definition of “Satan.”

Defendants have relied heavily on an affidavit prepared by the Rev. Elmer Colyer which states terms such as “Satan” or “devil” have their roots in theological doctrine. Therefore, bringing them into legal debate would require study and interpretation of religious beliefs and church doctrine crossing the line between the separation of church and state.

However, the terms “Satan” and “spirit” have secular meanings. They can be found in any dictionary bought at any local bookstore. Also, the letter was sent to the entire community, not just church members. These facts provide exceptions to the privilege afforded to church members and officials.

While the letter never stated “Jane Kliebenstein is the spirit of Satan,” she still has an argument for libel.

Editorial Board:Nicole Paseka, Megan Hinds, Amy Schierbrock, Alicia Ebaugh, Dan Nguyen