( July 18, 2024, 2:16 PM EDT) -- PASADENA, Calif. — A former work practice apprentice (WPA) at a California Buddhist temple, San Francisco Zen Center Inc., who received room and board and a small stipend in exchange for performing work duties as well as participating in meditations and performing ceremonial tasks fell with the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution’s ministerial exception as he “had a ‘role in . . . carrying out [the Center’s] mission,’” a Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel ruled July 17, affirming a summary judgment ruling for the center in the man’s disability discrimination case....