Ministerial Exception Precludes ADA Claim

In McNeil v. Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, (WD MO, Sept. 20, 2010), a Missouri federal district court held that under the "ministerial exception" doctrine it will not second guess hiring decisions made by religious institutions. The court rejected plaintiff's claim of disability discrimination under the Americans With Disabilities Act.  She alleged that the United Methodist Church refused to appoint her as an ordained minister because of her physical health.