How so? Whatever documents they produce won't be believed by those who need conspiracy theories. It will always be argued that they're holding back the "real" documents.
At this point, I don't fault people for suing to defend their reputation. It may be an unwise move. In this case it's probably pointless. But if it's in their legal right, it's an avenue they're entitled to consider.
Ok but not everyone "needs" a conspiracy theory. Who cares about them? I think it is a much better idea for the Church to fight fiction with fact, right? It makes more sense to say, "Well... here is where we disagree with Dan Brown and why..."
At this point, I don't fault people for suing to defend their reputation. It may be an unwise move. In this case it's probably pointless. But if it's in their legal right, it's an avenue they're entitled to consider.
Whose reputation are we talking about? The Church? Remember he is calling on the laiety, not the clergy, to sue (if I read the article correct). Why doesn't the Vatican sue directly if that is the case? Besides what good would suing do? Stop the movie? In making such a big deal about this movie it sure "LOOKS" like they want to censor it. If the Church was wise, they would do what I said, just use Vatican Archives to disprove Dan Brown completely.
Otherwise... people will really believe it.