Church Autonomy takes a bit hit

In the U.K., anyway.  Professor Friedman reports:

Clergy Get Employment Protection In Britain

Britain's Employment Appeal Tribunal yesterday handed down a landmark case holding that clergy will be treated as employees of the church for purposes of bringing unfair dismissal cases. Reporting on the case, Personnel Today said that previously ministers were regarded British courts as appointed to a holy office, and not as employees. The decision in New Testament Church of God v. Stewart, (EAT, Oct. 27, 2006), relies on last year's House of Lords decision in Percy v Church of Scotland Board of National Mission, [2006] IRLR 195, in reaching its conclusion. (See prior posting.)