Bethel Baptist Church v. United States

MEMORANDUM

CALDWELL, District Judge.

I. Introduction.

Plaintiffs, Bethel Baptist Church (Bethel), its pastor, employees and certain church members have challenged the constitutionality of the social security amendments of 1983 and 1984 which imposed for the first time mandatory participation in the social security system upon employees of non-profit institutions. Plaintiffs contend that the change in the law violates the free exercise and establishment provisions of the first amendment 1 and the equal protection component of the due process guarantee of the fifth amendment. 2 Defendant has moved…