N.D. Ga.: Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine bars court from deciding “representative status” in Bishop’s suit seeking indemnification of legal fees. The Church Litigation Update covers the case, Kawimbe v African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc., Opinion and Order (N.D. Ga. Aug. 27, 2021), here. You can read the decision here.
Category: Establishment Clause
W.D. N.C.: Catholic high school liable for firing teacher in same-sex marriage
W.D. N.C.: Catholic high school liable for firing teacher in same-sex marriage. The court rejected defenses based on the First Amendment—including the Ministerial Exception— Title VII, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, among others. Religion Clause reports on the decision here. Read the decision here: Billard v. Charlotte Catholic High School, (W.D. N.C., Sept. 3, 2021).
S.D. Ind.: Ministerial Exception Requires Dismissal of Title VII Claims By Catholic School Guidance Counselor
“Ministerial Exception Requires Dismissal Of Title VII Claims By Catholic School Guidance Counselor” Religion Clause covers the decision here.
“[Department of Labor] Issues Opinion Letters on FLSA Exempt Status and Ministerial Exception”
The Society of Human Resource Managers describes the recent guidance here.
“7th Circuit: Ministerial Exception Does Not Cover Hostile Work Environment Claims, Absent Tangible Employment Action7th Circuit: Ministerial Exception Does Not Cover Hostile Work Environment Claims, Absent Tangible Employment Action”
“7th Circuit: Ministerial Exception Does Not Cover Hostile Work Environment Claims, Absent Tangible Employment Action.” Religion Clause summarizes the decision here.
FREE ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: “Navigating Critical Legal Issues in the COVID-19 Crisis”
FREE ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: “Navigating Critical Legal Issues in the COVID-19 Crisis” ECFA hosted an excellent webinar covering new and old federal employment protections, federal aid programs, contract implications, and potential insurance coverage related to COVID-19. Access the recording, including presentation slides, with a free registration here.
Continue reading “FREE ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: “Navigating Critical Legal Issues in the COVID-19 Crisis””Josh on Theology Thursdays: Church, State, and COVID-19
Josh on Theology Thursdays: Church, State, and COVID-19 Yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Lutheran pastors James Smith (Trinity Episcopal and St. John’s Lutheran in Three Rivers, Michigan) and Chris Laughlin (Messiah Lutheran in Constantine, Michigan) for their “Theology Thursdays,” which they post to their congregations’ Facebook pages while we keep social distance due to COVID-19. We talked about Church and State issues during COVID-19. It was a fun conversation in a difficult time. Go here to watch the hour-long conversation.
Continue reading “Josh on Theology Thursdays: Church, State, and COVID-19”“Suit Over Unification Church Leadership Is Dismissed”
“Suit Over Unification Church Leadership Is Dismissed” Religion Clause covers the decision by the U.S District Court for the Southern District of New York here.
Wash. Ct. App.: Parent Presbyterian denominational body owed deference in dispute with breakaway congregation
Wash. Ct. App.: Parent Presbyterian denominational body owed deference in dispute with breakaway congregationeligion. Religion Clause reports on the decision
here.
“Church: Free speech protects decision to fire gay Indianapolis teacher”
“Church: Free speech protects decision to fire gay Indianapolis teacher.” The Indiana Lawyer covers a recent filing in a lawsuit involving the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis and a teacher it directed a school to fire here.