Catholic Media Network Settles Defamation Case with Clergyman, Announces Closure

Church Militant, a right-wing Catholic media network, is set to cease operations this April after agreeing to a $500,000 defamation lawsuit settlement, including issuing an apology to Rev. Georges de Laire of the Diocese of Manchester, New Hampshire. The lawsuit stemmed from an article that inaccurately portrayed de Laire, leading to public distress and reputational damage. The closure marks a significant shift for the platform, which started in 2006 as Real Catholic TV, aiming to combat the perceived erosion of traditional Catholic values and push against progressive tendencies within the Church.

The platform’s founder, Michael Voris, was removed from his position four months prior to the announcement due to violations of the organization’s morality code, specifically involving inappropriate images sent to staff and a donor. This incident and the lawsuit resolution follow a period of financial instability and staff layoffs for Church Militant, highlighting the internal and external challenges faced by the organization.

Church Militant’s trajectory from a vocal defender of conservative Catholicism to its forthcoming closure underlines the complexities and controversies within religious media outlets. The case also emphasizes the importance of journalistic integrity, the potential consequences of defamation, and the intricate relationship between personal conduct and public leadership in faith-based organizations.