United States Third Circuit

The circuit court adopts the "ministerial exception" doctrine and holds that it applies to bar any claim, the resolution of which would limit a religious institution's right to choose who will perform particular spiritual functions.

Appellate Information

• Argued 08/16/2006
• Decided 09/06/2006
• Published 09/06/2006

Judges

• Before SMITH, COWEN, and GREENBERG.

Court

• United States Third Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• C. John Pleban, [Argued], Pleban & Associates, St. Louis, MO, Counsel for Appellant.


• For Appellees:
  
• Evan C. Rudert, [Argued], Elderkin, Martin, Kelly & Messina, Arthur D. Martinucci, [Argued], Frank L. Kroto, Jr., Quinn, Buseck, Leemhuis, Toohey & Kroto, Erie, PA, for Appellees., Phillip J. Murren, Ball, Murren & Connell, Camp Hill, PA, Stephen W. Fitschen, The National Legal Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA, for Amicus-Appellee.