Today the Supreme Court will hear a case about church hiring practices. Hosanna-Tabor in Redford, Michigan is a member of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. When the church concluded teacher Cheryl Perich could not fulfill her duties because of narcolepsy, she threatened to sue. The church then dismissed her. Perich and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued, claiming her dismissal violated the non-retaliatory provision of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to The Pew Forum, this case is about "ministerial exception." Ministerial exception exempts religious organizations from employment statutes. Used by lower courts for 40 years, this is the first time it's gone to the Supreme Court. The church argues ministerial exception applies because Perich was specially trained to teach religion and was the church's primary minister of religion to the children in her classroom. Perich and the EEOC argue ministerial exception does not allow a church to violate the non-retaliation provision of the ADA. The decision will most likely have far reaching consequences. There are some 300,000 religious teachers in the United States.
I get complaints about the cost of seminary education. You'd be surprised how many times we think it wisest to consult with lawyers before we make a move.
The saddest fact to me is that Hosanna-Tabor closed it's school in 2009.
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