John Perdue says he was merely expressing faith, leaving a message about Jesus on another businessman’s voice mail but his company apparently felt he went too far and fired him for doing it.

Now it appears the case is headed to Federal Court. Court documents show John Perdue’s 23-year career with Hager Hinge ended rather abruptly on June 25th, fired for what the company allegedly felt was an ‘insulting and harassing’ telephone message left for a Montgomery businessman.

Perdue’s attorney spoke on his behalf. “The evidence shows my client expressed his Christian faith and he was discriminated against,” says attorney Larry Golston of Montgomery.

It started in May. As the company’s maintenance supervisor, a co-worker told Perdue that a parking lot light was out. Perdue, says Golston, intended to call Alabama Power but instead dialed the wrong number and ended up getting the voice mail of ConCreations in Montgomery. The owner is Bert Loeb. Loeb did not return our call today for a response.

“As he normally did, he left a message apologizing for the getting the wrong number and he stated, you know, “Jesus loves you. Hope you come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ,” says Golston.

Bryan: “Why did he feel the need to do that?”

Golston: “Well, my client is a devout Christian. He expresses his faith in everyday living,” Golston says.

Perdue’s lawsuit implies Hager Hinge got a copy of the voicemail tape and played it in front of Perdue on July 25th. At that point, the company suspended Perdue and then fired him a few days later, according to his attorney.

“To my knowledge, Mr. Perdue has an excellent record with Hager Hinge and has never been reprimanded,” says Golston.

Perdue’s lawsuit has been filed in Federal Court, and once Hager has been served, the company will have 20 days to respond.

Hager Hinge issued this response late today: “We have not seen the lawsuit and will not be able to comment without doing so. Should we be served with this lawsuit, we have a long standing company policy not to comment on impending or existing litigation.”

Hager is headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Hager Hinge has been a long-time business in Montgomery, employing some 320 people.