Story perspectives

California Supreme Court Weighs Wage Claims in Ministerial Exception Case

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The California Supreme Court reviews Lorenzo v. San Francisco Zen Center to determine the ministerial exception's reach.
The California Court of Appeal ruled the ministerial exception does not categorically bar wage-and-hour claims unless ecclesiastical concerns are involved.
The court reversed a judgment for the San Francisco Zen Center, saying wage claims do not implicate doctrine.
It found that individual defendants failed to post an undertaking to appeal Labor Commissioner orders.

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Story summary

The California Supreme Court reviews Lorenzo v. San Francisco Zen Center to determine the ministerial exception's reach.
The California Court of Appeal ruled the ministerial exception does not categorically bar wage-and-hour claims unless ecclesiastical concerns are involved.
The court reversed a judgment for the San Francisco Zen Center, saying wage claims do not implicate doctrine.
It found that individual defendants failed to post an undertaking to appeal Labor Commissioner orders.