Since the church has had nothing to say and has fired me as organist for no valid reason, then I must admit
rightly that since Texas is a right to work state, a business entity can fire a person without cause, but also the
person can leave at will, especially when the work environment is toxic, repressive or charged with ill will.
This was my course of action in the matter.
In addition, in order to defend my 1st Amendment rights of free speech and expression, the following are
cited for informational purposes. My legal counsel advises the following display of information as a guide in
expressing my grievances in written form:
Defamation
Defamation refers to a false statement made against another party, which is published, broadcast or otherwise circulated to
third parties. It is not necessary to say "defamation of character" -- you can only defame one's character or reputation. It is
important to note that the statement must be false (truth is a defense!). If you say that someone is suffering from AIDS, and he
considers that defamatory, he cannot win the case if he actually suffers from AIDS. If you say something defamatory to a
person but nobody else hears it, it won't be defamatory because it must be transmitted to one other person.
Libel
Do not confuse "libel" with "liable." Libel refers to written published defamation. So, if a newspaper defames you in writing, the
newspaper is guilty of "libel." The newspaper story is thus "libelous." Of course, when the newspaper libels you, it may be
"liable" to you for damages. Libel is the written form of defamation; liable means "legally responsible."
Slander
Slander is the spoken form of defamation. If I stand up in the park and call you an "unethical businessman," I may have
slandered you (assuming the statement is not true). At common law, a person was guilty of slander per se by accusing a
person of having a loathsome disease, or stating that they stunk in their business or trade, or accusing a woman of being
unchaste. In modern times, broadcast stations can be sued for slander as well as libel (if they keep recorded, permanent tapes
of the spoken defamation).
All instances of FACTS noted on this website have precise documentation beyond reasonable doubt. All instances of my
personal opinion are based upon experience in this particular situation and is opinion only. Others may disagree, but my
opinions in this matter should be taken as expert testimony since I have the following requirements and prerequisites such that
my opinions carry more weight than the casual observer i.e.: 1. As a career organist and church musician
2. As having 15 years experience with this specific church 3. As having no similar occurrences or conflicts with any other
churches over a period of c.50 years. 4. As having no conflicts with this church with the exception of the last c. 5 years. The
first 10 years having been absolutely without conflict.
When institutions and/or their leadership act in certain ways with their employees regarding termination, firing or causing a
stressful work environment to exist, they should be, in the cases of Christian churches, forthcoming and transparent regarding
rationales for firing or termination. Since this church adamantly will not give any explanations for their actions in this case,
then it becomes incumbent on the fired employee to use the best intuition, knowledge of the situation and the work
environment to entertain considered, expert opinions based upon the history of his tenure with the institution.
It is also the case that non-transparency can give the impression that actions that have been done will not stand the test of
exposure to inquiry or will not stand the test of appropriateness as set by ethical standards commonly applied in these cases.
In that instance, I am forced to project opinion based on my expert opinion and experience in the situation.
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