California Supreme Court Watch

#26-19 Lorenzo v. San Francisco Zen Center, S294565. (A171659; 116 Cal.App.5th 258; San Francisco County Superior Court; CGC22602047.) Petition for review after the Court of Appeal reversed the judgment in a civil action. The court limited review to the following issue: Does the ministerial exception arising under the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution categorically preclude wage and hour claims by a minister against a religious organization without any inquiry into whether the claim touches upon any ecclesiastical concern?

Petition for review granted; issues limited: 2/11/2026

Case fully briefed: 8/27/2026

See the Court of Appeal Opinion.

In the news: Eaton, Ministers may sue for minimum wage violations, S.D. Union Tribune (Dec. 1, 2025) (subscription required).