Corporate Statements

On December 31, 2001, The Local Church, The Local Churches, and Living Stream Ministry filed a $136 million defamation lawsuit in the state of Texas against Harvest House Publishers and authors John Ankerberg and John Weldon. In their suit, The Local Church claimed that the book the Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions was libelous in regard to them. On January 5, 2006, the Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas issued an opinion in favor of Harvest House Publishers and its authors. Though the Local Churches and Living Stream Ministry appealed to the Texas and US Supreme Courts, their case was not heard, and the appellate opinion stands.

The lawsuit was long and arduous, but the resulting ruling is important to publishing and freedom of speech. Therefore, we have decided to keep these "Corporate Statements" posted on our website as a resource to those who have questions concerning the outcome of the lawsuit and why Harvest House did not retreat or settle.

At the time of the ruling in favor of Harvest House, Bob Hawkins, Jr., president of Harvest House Publishers, stated, "We hope this ruling will encourage other authors, publishers, and broadcasters to stand strong in their convictions and to continue engaging in responsible dialogue concerning controversial topics without fear of intimidating lawsuits."

06/20/2007     

U.S. Supreme Court Denies Appeal

02/16/2007

Texas Supreme Court Rules Again in Local Church v. Harvest House Case

12/01/2006

Texas Supreme Court Denies Petition for Review of Defamation Lawsuit Against Harvest House Publishers

10/27/2006

Harvest House Publishers, John Ankerberg, and John Weldon Comment on The Local Church's Appeal to the Texas Supreme Court

01/06/2006

Appellate Court Rules in Favor of Harvest House and its Authors, John Ankerberg and John Weldon

01/06/2006

Appellate Court Ruling

04/05/2004

Harvest House and Authors Address Newest Allegations from the Local Church and Living Stream Ministry

03/12/2004

Questions and Answers about The Local Church's Lawsuit Against Harvest House Publishers

03/12/2004

HHP Initial Corporate Statement

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