RNS
WASHINGTON, DC, USA, October 4, 2011 (RNS): On Wednesday, October 5, the Supreme Court heard one of most important religion cases in decades, centered on the degree to which religious institutions should be exempt from anti-discrimination laws.
The case started at a Lutheran elementary school in Michigan where a teacher claimed she was fired in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act. A 40-year-old legal doctrine called the “ministerial exception” protects churches and other religious institutions from government interference in their employment decisions. Few would advocate government involvement in the hiring and firing of clergy. There is less agreement about other church employees.