Banned Blogger Sues First Baptist Church and Pastor

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A once anonymous blogger has filed papers in Duval County, suing the megachurch he was part of and the pastor. First Coast News brought you this story earlier this year.

The blogger, Tom Rich, claims his identity was unfairly revealed by JSO and church officials after he posted critical articles on his blog, called FBC Jax Watchdog, about Pastor Mac Brunson of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville in 2007.

Michael Roberts, Rich's lawyer, told First Coast News the blogs were not threatening. Roberts said Rich was basically banned from the church after church officials learned his identity and filed a trespass warning with JSO.

Rich declined an on camera interview but said on his blog, "I desire through this lawsuit that an equally powerful message will be sent to influential church trustees and powerful pastors who seek to squelch dissent of their members through unbiblical bullying and intimidation tactics."

The church released a statement late Thursday saying, "The congregation and leadership of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville is disappointed and saddened that Mr. Rich has chosen to seek resolution of His disagreements with the Church via the Court of Law. Despite numerous efforts by the church to facilitate resolution privately and in accordance with Holy Scripture, Mr. Rich has been unwilling to participate. Having made every effort to settle this matter biblically, the Church stands ready to have the matter addressed according to law, though this is not, and never has been our desire."

The lawsuit claims the pastor and the church committed fraud and misrepresented events. It also claims the pastor made malicous and false statements about Rich, including calling him "obsessive compulsive" and "a sociopath."

Rich's attorney is seeking some kind of monetary compensation for "mental anguish" and "emotional distress" but the attorney said it's too early to say a specific amount.

Roberts told First Coast News a different lawsuit has already been filed in federal court against JSO and the State Attorney's Office.

Click here to read Tom Rich's blog.

©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.