Court Can Hear Clergyman's Claim For Unpaid Salary Due

In Crymes v. Grace Hope Presbyterian Church, Inc., (KY App., Aug. 10, 2012), a Kentucky state appeals court held that the 1st Amendment does not prevent a court from hearing a suit for unpaid salary and benefits brought by a Presbyterian pastor who was fired from his position.  The court said:

It is undisputed that Crymes is not contesting Grace Hope's termination of him as pastor. Rather, Crymes is merely seeking compensation for unpaid salary and benefits allegedly owed to him for work performed prior to his termination.... A claim for unpaid wages and benefits for work previously performed under an employment contract is not ecclesiastical and is reviewable by the court.

First Amendment Center reports on the decision.