Renowned Pastor Files Lawsuit Against Former Long Island Reformed Church Over Retirement Payment Dispute

Reverend Allan Ramirez, a prominent advocate for Hispanic immigrants on Long Island, has filed a lawsuit against his former church, the Brookville Reformed Church, seeking $75,000 he claims is owed under a retirement agreement. Ramirez, who served the church for 30 years, suffered a major stroke two years ago and now struggles with speech, adding to his financial and emotional burden. His attorney, William Ferro, described the case as deeply personal, noting it has taken a toll on Ramirez and his family.

The retirement agreement, dated June 13, 2012, outlined a payment of $375,000 over seven years. The church paid $300,000 but stopped payments, leaving Ramirez with a claim for the remaining $75,000. Ferro explained that $175,000 of the total was raised by Ramirez through donations from friends and supporters. He emphasized that the church’s decision to halt payments constitutes a unilateral change to the agreement, with no room for interpretation.

The church’s attorney has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the retirement package was improperly arranged and signed without approval from the governing body of the Reformed Church of America on Long Island. The motion also claims the dispute is an internal church matter, thus outside the court’s jurisdiction. The court has not yet ruled on the motion, leaving the case in limbo.

Nan Coffey, a former vice-president of the church and original signatory on the retirement agreement, recounted her efforts to persuade church leaders to reconsider the decision to stop payments. She said she spoke directly with the minister and attempted to mediate the situation. Her attempts were unsuccessful, leading to a significant rift within the congregation.

In December 2016, a protest by 50-75 congregants at a church meeting resulted in letters being sent to members, informing them they were no longer considered active members. Coffey and others have since formed their own congregation, the Old Brookville Church, as a response to the church’s actions. The situation highlights the internal tensions and divisions that can arise within religious communities, particularly when financial and administrative decisions impact members’ livelihoods and sense of belonging.

The case raises questions about the governance and accountability within Reformed churches, particularly regarding financial commitments and the role of governing bodies in overseeing such agreements. As the legal proceedings continue, the broader implications for church leadership and congregational relations remain uncertain.

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