Archdiocese of Washington v. Moersen

BELL, Chief Judge.

The central issue in this case involves whether an organist for a Catholic church falls within the Title VII “ministerial exception,” a legal exception carved out in deference to the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment that precludes government interference, or judicial involvement, in the employment decisions of religious organizations. We shall hold that, under the facts of this case, an organist holding a position similar to that occupied by the respondent does not *640come within the ministerial exception. Thus, he may prosecute a Title VII claim.

A

The First…