Press Statement
For Immediate Release: 8.5.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Ninth Circuit Protects Freedom of Religious Groups in Hiring
Case involves employment discrimination claim against World Vision.
Seattle, WA–The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled Tuesday in World Vision, Inc. v. McMahon that the ministerial exception doctrine protects the right of religious organizations to hire people who share an organization’s religious beliefs when the employee performs “vital religious duties” to carry out the “core mission” of the organization.
First Liberty Institute filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case on behalf of The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse in support of World Vision.
“The Ninth Circuit recognized that the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment protect the right of a religious organization to require that employees with important religious functions agree with its religious beliefs,” said Becky Dummermuth, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “Forcing religious organizations to hire employees who may openly disagree with their religious beliefs violates both Title VII and the constitutional doctrine of church autonomy. This decision will protect religious entities who rely on hiring like-minded employees to carry out their core missions.”
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John Manning at media@firstliberty.org.
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