United States Fourth Circuit

A decision by a bishop, declining to license a priest in the Diocese of Washington, must be given deference by a civil court, because church authorities shall determine essential qualifications of clergy and whether the candidate possesses them.

Appellate Information

• Argued 01/24/2002
• Decided 05/22/2002
• Published 05/22/2002

Judges

• Before MOTZ, KING, and GREGORY, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Fourth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellees:
  
• ARGUED:  Charles Hart Nalls, Dekieffer & Horgan, Washington, D.C., for Appellants.  David Martin Schnorrenberg, Crowell & Moring, L.L.P., Washington, D.C., for Appellee.   ON BRIEF:  Michael G. Van Arsdall, Crowell & Moring, L.L.P., Washington, D.C., for Appellee.  Kenneth R. Matticks, Dallas, Texas, for Amici Curiae Iker and Duncan.  Russell V. Palmore, Jr., George A. Somerville, Troutman, Sanders, Mays & Valentine, L.L.P., Richmond, Virginia, for Amici Curiae Lee, et al.