“Is Everyone in Adventist Education a Minister? Reflections on a Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decision” – Brent Geraty
Date: March 31, 2012
Speaker: Dr. Brent Geraty
Position: General Counsel & Assistant Professor of Legal Studies, Andrews University
Topic: “Is Everyone in Adventist Education a Minister? Reflections on a Recent U.S.
Supreme Court Decision”
Venue: Chan Shun Hall
Attendance: 45
Presentation: Geraty explained the impact of court cases regarding clergy, but saw Hosanna-Taber Evangelical Lutheran Church & School v. EEOC (2012) as the most important decision since this is the first time the Supreme Court has defined who a “minister” is: someone called a minister, whose duties reflect that of a minister, who considers him/herself a minister, & who plays a role in “conveying the Church’s message & carrying out its mission.” By this definition SDA teachers are “ministers” because they “transmit faith to the next generation.” To engage in discriminatory decision-making, even if shielded from legal action, would hurt SDA education & the Church.
Michiana Adventist Forum 