Collins v. African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

(1) The plaintiff-appellant, Katina Collins, filed a complaint in the Superior Court in February 2004 against the defendants-appellees, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Bishop Milton Williams, and Scott A.M.E. Zion Church (collectively, "the Church defendants"), as well as the Reverend Dr. William Burton ("Burton"). The claims arose from the alleged harassment of Collins by Burton, her pastor, and Collins attempts to have Burton disciplined by the Church defendants. On April 4, 2006, the Superior Court docketed an opinion granting summary judgment to the Church defendants on Collins claims of negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The trial court held that Collins was "seeking civil court review of ecclesiastical policies" and that the court lacked subject matter jurisdiction to adjudicate that issue. In a separate opinion, the Superior Court denied Burtons motion for summary judgment on Collins claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress.