HOPE – A former pastor of Hope Methodist Church has filed a Breach of Contract suit against the church. Marshall Almarode filed the suit in Hempstead County Circuit Court.
The suit alleges Almarode and the church entered into a written offer of employment to begin December 1, 2023, for the position of Senior Pastor for a term of five years.
The court affidavit alleges that on or about February 18, 2026, approximately two years and three months into the five-year term, Hope Methodist Church, acting through its Administrative Board, unilaterally and verbally terminated Almarode’s employment. The document further stated a letter dated February 23, 2026, the church provided formal written notice confirming the termination, effective February 18, 2026.
According to the affidavit, the reason cited by the church in the Termination Letter for the dismissal was “a toxic relationship between the congregation and the pastor.”
The lawsuit stated Mr. Almarode did not agree to the termination of his employment, “as was explicitly required by Clause 5 of the of the Employment Agreement,” but was a unilateral act.
The court document alleges Almarode suffered and has continued to suffer significant financial damages due to loss of salary, as well as lost value of housing benefits, lost continuing education benefits, and other benefits in the agreement.
Almarode is requesting a jury trial.