The Supreme Court of British Columbia
Summary:
Former Jehovah’s Witnesses requested access to personal information about themselves in the possession of their former congregations, in the form of elders’ notes. The congregations refused, arguing that the information sought included notes on confidential deliberations about the spiritual status of the now disfellowshipped members. The B.C. Privacy Commissioner ordered that the documents be handed over to the Commissioner for review. The elders of the congregations challenged this order in Court. In 2023, ARPA intervened, defending the institutional freedom of religious organizations and urging the court to ensure that any compelled production of religious records serves a legitimate civil law purpose. The lower court found in favour of the Commissioner. The elders have appealed and ARPA has intervened in the appeal as well.
ARPA Canada’s submissions to the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
ARPA Canada’s submissions to the British Columbia Court of Appeal.
Articles:
B.C. court decides Jehovah Witnesses must turn over church records to Privacy Commissioner
