Reconsideration of sexual misconduct by clergy counselors: the case of F.G. v. MacDonell

In the last decade, concerns about clergy counselors' liability for malpractice has focused on allegations of sexual abuse. Thus far, courts have not adjudicated a complaint of clergy malpractice. Their reasons have centered on concern for freedom of religion under the First Amendment. Therefore, there is a need to find another way to deal with the obvious reality that violating others' rights to satisfy one's own sexual appetites is not a valid expression of religious belief or practice. The authors, upon reviewing cases decided up to a few years ago, concluded that the complaint of breach of fiduciary duty provides a highly fitting way for courts to fairly assess complaints of sexual misconduct brought against clergy counselors. Now, the New Jersey Supreme Court has clearly recognized this complaint as an approach to the problem.