Key point 8-06. The civil courts have consistently ruled that the first amendment prevents the civil courts from applying civil rights laws to the relationship between a church and a minister.
* The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that it was barred by the first amendment guaranties of religious freedom and the nonestablishment of religion from resolving a sex discrimination lawsuit brought by a former minister to the deaf. An ordained Episcopal minister was hired by an Episcopal diocese as a minister to the deaf. Her responsibilities included developing a diocesan ministry for the deaf, educating the diocese about issues involving the deaf community, providing support to a deaf congregation, and acting as liaison between the deaf community and the diocese. During her eight years of employment, the minister claimed that she was subjected to discriminatory ...
Join now to access this member-only content
Already a member? Log in for full access.
Related ResourcesVisit Store
Immigration & the Church
Safe Hiring Practices for Churches
Your Guide to Employee Handbooks
