A Dallas appeals court on Friday put a pause on the $1 million defamation lawsui t against Gateway Church and its current elders, citing the need to hear additional arguments in the case.

The ruling by the Fifth Court of Appeals stops attorneys for Cindy Clemishire from gaining access to church emails and other communications as part of the discovery process.

"We are pleased that the Court of Appeals has granted our request to stay the case against Gateway and the independent elders while it considers our strong legal arguments," Gateway attorney Ron Breaux said in a statement. "Gateway and its leaders simply do not belong in this lawsuit, which asks a secular court to pass judgment on the church's statements and actions while investigating its former pastor's misconduct."

Deadline

See Full Page