Ahhhhh....I see.
Your principles are subjective. Very nice. You didn't see fit to seek damages at the time, but waited several years, before the statute of limitations ran out to sue.
If you were a principled person, your view of the congregation would have zero to do with whether you felt they were liable for the damages. Obviously you didn't feel they were liable at the time, but as your animosity toward the congregation grew, and after you left, you felt you could go back and grind an axe.
I'm glad I don't know you.