Clergy employed by church and not by God - Employment Law Applies.

A pastor and bishop in the Pentecostal New Testament Church of God in Harrow, North London, sacked for “unbecoming conduct” has just won a ruling in the UK Court of Appeal (the 2nd highest court in the UK) that he was employed by a church and not by God. He will now be able to seek reinstatement and compensation.

Rev Sylvester Stewart was sacked in June 2005 after an internal audit showed “financial irregularities”. A church “trial board” found that he had taken almost £60,000 from the Church.

Leaving aside the teaching that Christians ought not to bring each other to a civillian court (and sue each other - I suppose there may be situations where it is a necessity), the result here is rather perculiar. How can one continue to fulfil his responsbilities as a spiritual and moral guide to members of the flock when he is found to have embezzled church funds? Hasn't he already lost the moral integrity which the job requires?

Why I find this particularly strange is because, had it been any other profession such as a lawyer, accountant, banker or even company director who was guilty of such fraud, he would be barred (or dis-barred in relation to lawyers) from the profession, at least for a period of time. Presumably because moral integrity is considered essential to such professions. Why should it not apply in relation to religious leaders/full-time Christian workers?

For those interested in reading the full judgement (I haven't) here's the link: http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2007/1004.html