Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru.
The Supreme Court addressed the applicability of the ministerial exception in employment discrimination claims involving two teachers at Catholic schools. The Court determined that the First Amendment's Religion Clauses prevent judicial intervention in such disputes, emphasizing the teachers' roles in religious education. This decision reversed the Ninth Circuit's ruling, which had not applied the exception due to the teachers' lack of formal ministerial titles.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru.
The Court held that the First Amendment's Religion Clauses foreclose the adjudication of Morrissey-Berru's and Biel's employment discrimination claims.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Free Exercise of Religion is relevant to Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru
The case centers on the application of the ministerial exception, which is rooted in the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, allowing religious institutions to make employment decisions about key employees without government interference.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The First Amendment protects the right of religious institutions 'to decide for themselves, free from state interference, matters of church government as well as those of faith and doctrine.'
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Why Establishment of Religion is relevant to Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru
The decision involves the Establishment Clause as it prevents government entanglement in religious matters by recognizing the ministerial exception.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The First Amendment's Religion Clauses foreclose the adjudication of Morrissey-Berru's and Biel's employment discrimination claims.
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Why Procedural Due Process is relevant to Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru
The case involves procedural due process in the context of employment discrimination claims being foreclosed by the ministerial exception.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Courts are bound to stay out of employment disputes involving those holding certain important positions with churches and other religious institutions.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Morrissey-Berru that support the summary and concepts above.
The First Amendment protects the right of religious institutions 'to decide for themselves, free from state interference, matters of church government as well as those of faith and doctrine.'
What matters is what an employee does.
A religious institution's explanation of the role of its employees in the life of the religion in question is important.
