A church organist who says he was fired after he brought forward allegations of sexual abuse can pursue job discrimination claims against the Archdiocese of Washington, Maryland?s highest court has ruled.

In a 4-3 decision, the Maryland Court of Appeals found Thursday that a church organist?s job is not “ministerial” in nature and therefore the church cannot invoke a “ministerial exemption” ? a legal exception to discrimination claims that precludes government interference in the employment decisions of religious organizations.