Robert Hahn vs. Chesapeake Church

Summary of Robert Hahn vs. Chesapeake Church

Earlier this month, Robert Hahn filed a civil action against Chesapeake Church for breach of contract under Maryland common law. The complaint discusses the original retirement Contract, executed in November of 2022, and the amended Contract, which was executed this past May.

Two(!) Retirement Pension Contracts and One Morality Clause

Upon his “retirement” in November of 2022, the church agreed to give Hahn a retirement pension (bi-monthly checks) for a term of 24 months. Payments were conditioned on Hahn’s aiding the church throughout the leadership transition. In May of 2023, the church told Hahn that they were unilaterally cutting the term of the Contract from 24 months to 12 months due to inappropriate behavior.

The inappropriate behavior is referenced in a May 8 email from the Elders to Robert, which says the following:

The Elders have discussed your current pension arrangement in light of your recently admitted inappropriate behavior with (REDACTED). We also noted that you were expected to assist in the transition of leadership for the first year which you have failed to do. While we acknowledge your 30+ years of serving our community as Senior Pastor and Elder, your behavior is diametrically opposed to the fundamental biblical values we espouse. Accordingly, as leaders of the Church, we are compelled to take the following action:

-Remove you from Pastor Emeritus status which means you will no longer be eligible for a housing allowance.

-Reduce your pension from 24 months to 12 months.

If you have any questions, you can email us or request a meeting with the Session.

The Elders

Despite Robert’s contention that the accusations were “baseless,” he agreed to a new deal. The church would continue making payments but only through March 1, 2024. The Elders also added a morality clause. They offered Hahn the following language:

If Robert Hahn commits any act, which is an offense involving moral turpitude under federal, state or local laws, or which might tend to bring Chesapeake Church, End Hunger in Calvert County, or Honduras Compassion Partners to public disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule, or which may embarrass, offend, insult, or denigrate individuals or groups, or that may shock, insult, or offend the community or public morals or decency or prejudice Chesapeake Church, End Hunger in Calvert County, or Honduras Compassion Partners, then Chesapeake Church shall have the right to unilaterally terminate the pension agreement without liability for the unpaid portion of any compensation due upon written notice to Robert Hahn.

Hahn agreed but demanded they include the following statement: “Both parties agree not to publicly disclose the details of this agreement.” The Elders complied.

The final version’s last paragraph reads:

Additionally, Chesapeake Church agrees to make no disparaging remarks about Robert Hahn publicly or privately and both parties agree to not publicly disclose the details of this agreement.

My favorite part of the complaint comes in at line 25:

Hahn ended the dispute with characteristic grace, writing only, “thank you” and I wish you peace.”

Hahn continued to receive bi-monthly payments in the amount of $2,107.61, and was supposed to continue receiving them through March 1, 2024.

Chesapeake Church’s Financial Troubles

In an email sent to Hahn on May 26, 2023, Steve Bertolaccini, writing on behalf of the Elders, said that due to a significant Chesapeake Church Budget shortfall, the Elders were planning to defer future pension payments.

On June 1, Bertolaccini wrote:

“We have relooked [sic] at our plan but there is no good alternative at this time. We just do not have the resources. Again, we truly regret any inconvenience and we are committed to restoring your pension payments as soon as possible.”

Hahn still hadn’t received subsequent payments as of August 2023. He inquired when the payments would resume and received the following reply:

“No. Unfortunately, I still cannot tell you, I was hoping to have an answer for you by now but I don't.”

According to the complaint, the last time Hahn received a check from the church was on June 13.

The complaint was filed on October 5.

Hahn has demanded a trial jury.

The ten exhibits submitted to the court contain the aforementioned emails between Robert Hahn and the Elders. If litigation is ongoing, further exhibitions will most likely be submitted, including copies of the original and amended contracts along with other pertinent evidence.

Remember, “the wheels of justice turn slowly”- like they’re plodding through molasses -that kind of slow.

Personal thoughts from me, a person who is NOT a lawyer:

Hahn’s case, if all of the above information is accurate, seems solid.

I’m betting that both parties settle, as I don’t think either can afford ongoing litigation. 

The settlement will hurt the church, which is already suffering. The money awarded to Hahn (either through a settlement or as the result of a jury award) is unlikely to be significant.

It will, in either case, come from the tithes of people who believed they were giving gifts to God.

And that’s a shame.

You can follow the case online by following this link and entering case #C04CV23000517