Opinion ID: 2405703
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Claims of interference with annulment proceedings

Text: Cherepski alleges that, since October of 1990, Bishop McDonald and the Walkers have consistently and maliciously interfered with his attempts to obtain an annulment. Because of this interference, Cherepski complains that he is unable to have his remarriage recognized or to receive sacraments. These claims are outside our jurisdiction, as we will not entangle ourselves in ecclesiastical matters. Gipson v. Brown, 295 Ark. 371, 749 S.W.2d 297 (1988); Kinder v. Webb, 239 Ark. 1101, 396 S.W.2d 823 (1965). Nowhere in Cherepski's amended complaint does he specifically allege a conspiracy on the part of appellees to have him excommunicated from the Catholic Church; rather, his claims are purely religious in nature, as the record indicates that the Tribunal of the Diocese of Dallas adjudicated his annulment petition. As in Gipson , the record in this case fails to reveal a compelling state interest that would justify application of our laws in light of the constitutional proscriptions against interference with the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Because Cherepski's claims of interference with his annulment proceedings and his ability to receive communion involve matters of church doctrine and discipline, we will not address them.