I called it, didn't I! She was too dumb to understand (no comprehension from my previous letters, I guess) that defamation of character happens if its TRUE or NOT. If its motivated by so-called "love" or not. I thought I made it clear, but she didn't get it. So, I wrote back:
Defamation of character is based on damage, not accuracy of information. It doesn't matter if it was true, or believed to be true, false, intentional or non-intentional. It doesn't matter if it was based in love or concern, or out of maliciousness.
If it DAMAGES MY CHARACTER, I can protect myself with a lawsuit and I can recieve damages for the hurt (possibly irreparable damage) caused. Regarding slander (based on falshoods), I don't know what they spoke.
I DO KNOW that they have talked about me and it harmed my reputation. That is defamation of character, true or not. Accuracy of information is irrelevant. I still have a case.
All talk that may harm my reputation, and you know what that is, such as "I'm worried about her spirituality"--that will cause others to withdraw from me--must stop immediately. If I notice a trend that people have withdrawn from me, I have evidence of harmful gossip.
You wouldn't have contacted me and grilled me on personal issues if you hadn't heard this talk. Your actions are my proof. They planted the seeds in your mind and you sought to confirm it, and now you are not associating with me. Meanwhile, I have confirmed nothing. Regarding "retaliation": I am trying to warn them, so I do not HAVE to sue them AFTER my reputation is damaged, but you won't give me their names. If I can get their names from you, I can warn them to stop talking about me, and I won't have to sue to recoup damages.
Provide their names to avoid unnecessary lawsuits and so I may protect my reputation by giving them warning. Only your actions of withholding information, would cause me to have to subpeona you to get you to testify what was said and who said it. If you tell me now, we can avoid all this. AND, they can avoid getting sued by me after I get the facts from you in court, because I will have given them warning. It is not "retaliation" or "revenge." It is a preemptive effort to warn them to stop damaging my reputation. It is to PROTECT my reputation, and it is a defensive maneuver in response to the damage they are causing.
You help everyone, by warning of the harm of gossip, and helping me to face my accusers directly. And, for additional incentive, its the Christian principle for me to follow. Go to your brother to settle things. I am trying to do that, and I am asking you to help me.