The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently held in Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Brown that a religious ministry may limit hiring to employees who share and adhere to its religious beliefs.
At issue was whether Washington may impose penalties and liability on a ministry for hiring only co-religionists, including in non-ministerial roles. The Yakima Union Gospel Mission serves everyone regardless of background or belief, but says it furthers its Christian purpose through its homeless shelter and community programs by employing only like-minded believers who agree with its beliefs and practices, including on marriage and sexuality.
IIn a unanimous opinion, the Ninth Circuit concluded that when a religious organization’s decision to hire co-religionists for non-ministerial positions rests on sincerely held religious beliefs, the church-autonomy doctrine forbids government interference with that decision.
The ruling reinforces protections for religious self-governance and may shape how far states can regulate faith-based hiring.
Read Opinion Here: Union Gospel Mission of Yakima v. Brown.