Okay, I'll confess to being conflicted on this.
On the one hand, I support the proposition that internal religious disputes should not be subject to judicial review. Is Pastor X teaching the "right" religious stuff? That's not what judges should be deciding. And, similarly, should Church Y be able to fire Pastor X for not following church rules? Yes, I think they should, even if that would seem to be discrimination on for religious reasons. Otherwise, what's the point?
On the other hand, I can see this as something easily abused (as the case in question raises). How bright a line is there in Roberts' suggestion of "teachers of the faith" and "employees we'll just arbitrarily label as ministers so we don't need to worry about job discrimination laws"?
In other words, I think the SCOTUS case is correct in principle, but I am concerned about how some churches may, quite un-Jesus-like, exploit that principle for less-than-holy reasons. #ddtb
Embedded Link
Justices Recognize ‘Ministerial Exception’ to Job Discrimination Laws
The Supreme Court found a “ministerial exception” to employment discrimination laws, saying religious groups must be free to choose leaders without government interference.
I’m with you in that concern.
I think I need to write some elected officials about a law they need to write.