U.S. judge rules against Lutheran retirees’ claims
In a blow to retirees of a major Lutheran publishing house, a
federal judge has ruled that the now-dissolved pension plan of Augsburg
Fortress was exempt from federal regulations that would have required it
to meet minimum funding levels.
But the case remains open as
pensioners—who say they're owed as much as $40 million—received a green
light to keep pressing breach-of-contract claims under state law.
The
January 27 ruling by Minnesota's U.S. District Judge Michael Davis
marked a partial victory for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
and its publishing arm, Augsburg Fortress.
