Cheryl Perich was a commissioned teacher at a Lutheran school who developed narcolepsy, took disability leave, and was terminated after disputing the church’s refusal to reinstate her and threatening legal action; she taught religion, led prayer and devotional exercises, and participated in chapel. The EEOC sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act’s retaliation provisions, and the district court granted summary judgment for the church under the ministerial exception, but the Sixth Circuit vacated that judgment. The Supreme Court held that the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses bar employment-discrimination suits brought on behalf of ministers against their religious employers, and that Perich qualified because of her title, religious training, self-identification, and substantial role in conveying the church’s faith. The Court further held that the exception required dismissal of claims seeking reinstatement, backpay, damages, or fees, because that relief would penalize the church for selecting and dismissing its minister; it reversed the Sixth Circuit. Justice Thomas and Justice Alito, joined by Justice Kagan, concurred on how ministerial status should be determined.