Ministerial Exception Prevents Court From Deciding Complaint Over Pastoral Letter Requirement

On Monday, the Ventura County California Superior Court dismissed the complaint in Serrano v. Family Life Faith, a lawsuit by two teachers who were fired for failing to provide a letter from a pastor confirming their membership in a church.  Little Oaks, a for-profit private Christian school which imposed the requirement, is affiliated with the non-profit Calvary Chapel. (See prior posting.)  The court held that the "ministerial exception" doctrine precludes it from adjudicating issues regarding the hiring or firing of ministerial type employees of religious schools, such as these teachers who were introducing students to Christianity. Christian Post reports on the decision.