[U] Gates v. Seattle

We are asked to decide whether a secular court has jurisdiction over an employment contract claim against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle where the plaintiff, a pastoral assistant for liturgy and music, claims the pastor insisted he do more work than he had agreed to perform. Because hearing the dispute would necessarily entangle the court in matters of church doctrine and practice, we conclude it was properly dismissed on summary judgment for lack of jurisdiction. Summary judgment is appropriate only if there is no genuine issue of fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In reviewing the order, we consider the facts in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. City of Seattle v. State Dept. of Labor and Industries, 136 Wn.2d 693, 696-97, 965 P.2d 619 (1998).