Jay v. Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Smith, Judge.

Dr. Lewis W. Jay, a pastor in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, filed suit against his church, asserting that a certain bishop failed to comply with the church’s internal rules when transferring him to another location. Dr. Jay alleged that Bishop Othal H. Lakey transferred him without providing 60 days advance notice and without consulting with him 30 days before the transfer. Dr. Jay claimed that Bishop Lakey’s actions violated certain express rules in the church’s Book of Discipline. He sought damages for the church’s breach of an alleged employment contract as well as…