Jay Sekulow Victory for Religious Freedom

In an unanimous decision, the Supreme Court today issued an important decision representing a tremendous victory for religious freedom.

The high court concluded that courts should not intervene in the workings of churches. The Justices determined that the First Amendment protects the ability of churches and church schools to select their ministerial employees without government intrusion.

Here’s the background: The case involved a religiously commissioned teacher who taught in a Missouri Synod Lutheran school but was fired after she became confrontational with the school administration. The federal EEOC and the teacher herself teamed up to sue the church, claiming the church “retaliated” against her for threatening to sue over a medical disability.

A federal district court threw the case out on the grounds that the so-called “ministerial exception” to employment laws barred court review of the retaliation claim. But a federal appeals court reinstated the lawsuit, reasoning that the teacher’s religious role and duties were outweighed by her instruction of the students in secular subjects.

The Supreme Court today overturned that appeals court decision. The Court concluded that both the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment protects the freedom of churches to select religiously commissioned teachers for their religious grade schools.

In its opinion, the high court concluded: “The interest of society in the enforcement of employment discrimination statutes is undoubtedly important,” said Chief Justice John Roberts. “But so too is the interest of religious groups in choosing who will preach their beliefs, teach their faith, and carry out their mission.”

“When a minister who has been fired sues her church alleging that her termination was discriminatory, the First Amendment has struck the balance for us. The church must be free to choose those who will guide its way,” Roberts added.

We filed an amicus brief in this case on behalf of itself and the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.

This decision by the Court will generate a lot of interest and analysis. The fact that the Court was unanimous in this decision underlines how an essential part of religious liberty is the principle that churches and synagogues get to select their religion teachers.

Government has no business deciding who should or should not carry out religious ministry, and we’re delighted the high court reached that conclusion.

About Jay Sekulow

Jay Sekulow is Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), one of the most prestigious law firms in the country. He is an accomplished Supreme Court advocate, renowned expert on religious liberty, and a respected broadcaster. Jay Sekulow is an attorney with a passion for protecting religious liberty - freedom - democracy.

The League of an Inspirational Attorney - Jay Sekulow

Jay A. Sekulow, is regarded as one of the countries best attorneys, and is the Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). Over the years He has shown his expertise in the field of ‘Religious Liberty’.

To enlighten his virtues, we need to go back to the year 1987 when he was first defending The Jews for Jesus, in their pursuit against The Los Angeles International Airport Authority’s policy (against free speech).

Jay Sekulow also took the case of two high-school students who were denied the opportunity to form a Bible and Prayer group in their school, in both the cases; he brought victory and joy to the lives of thousands of people.

It is clear that Mr. Sekulow fights more for justice than anybody else, His unparalleled zest and belief in the nation’s law-system makes it possible for him to fight for the right cause and freedom.

Generally, we always measure a person’s success and influence in the field by looking at the kind of awards, and Jay Sekulow has won several accolades and awards over a long period of his successful career, and his work achievements speak volume of his undeniable talent.

Jay A. Sekulow has been listed in the top 90 Greatest Washington lawyers of the last 30 years by the Legal Times. He was named to the American Lawyer’s Public Sector 45 in 1997, where the respective sector includes all the influential public servants in the country who have made a positive impact in their areas of expertise.

Jay Sekulow also hosts a radio talk show daily (Jay Sekulow Live!), which is aired on 850 radio broadcasting channels across the entire nation. He discusses about the current legislative battles going around in the country. He stands for something, which goes beyond what is commonly known as a ‘social service sector’.

An Evangelist, An Attorney - Jay Sekulow stands for Religious Liberty

Jay Sekulow is the chief counsel of The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and a successful Supreme Court advocate who has defended many cases with successful outcomes. As a lively host of a call-in radio show and a television program, Jay provides valuable insight and education to people on matters concerning religious equality in America and the World. His hard work and dedication has made him one of the most successful evangelists who have touched millions of lives.

Jay started his quest to defend religious liberty as well as constitutional freedom through the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and soon, had international presence with its centers in France, Russia, Kenya, Pakistan, Israel and Zimbabwe.

His accomplishments include his efforts for Israel to tide over the Gaza crisis, with creation of a legal team to defend the interest of national security of Israel in front of the International Criminal Court at Hague. As a prolific attorney, Jay Sekulow’s undertakings have been rewarded with eminent recognitions such as the National Law Journal which named him one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America and Town hall magazine has named him as “one of the top lawyers for religious freedom in the United States."

He is involved in defending many cases on behalf of The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), a recent case involves an appeal against President Barrack Obama’s healthcare law, which requires every American to buy health care insurance.

Jay Sekulow was born in Brooklyn, graduated from the Mercer University and has a PhD from Regent University, with humble beginnings as a tax trial attorney in the office of the chief counsel of the Internal Revenue Service.
He married Pamela in 1978, and has two sons Jordan and Logan from his marriage.