N.D. Ga.: Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine bars court from deciding “representative status” in Bishop’s suit seeking indemnification of legal fees

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.

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).

“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.

Ind. Ct. App.: Former pastor entitled to settlement amount, attorney fees; no First Amendment bar to court resolution

Ind. Ct. App.: Former pastor entitled to settlement amount, attorney fees; no First Amendment bar to court resolution. In Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Second Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc. v. Kevin P. Grimes, Sr., No. 18A-PL-2346 (Ind. Ct. App. Aug. 26, 2019), the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court’s enforcement of a settlement agreement arising from a salary dispute between a Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, one of its districts, one of its congregations and the congregation’s former pastor.

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