For 2020, the coronavirus pandemic was front and center. The government mandated shutdowns throughout many parts of the country, and the economy was shaken. Church leaders felt the importance and urgency of figuring out how these dynamics were affecting their worship services, various ministries, church governance, and volunteers and staff—all of which is seen in the fact that every article on this year’s top ten list for Church Law & Tax relates to the pandemic.
Several of these articles will be helpful moving into 2021, with the continued concern over the spread of the virus and employment-related questions, including FMLA and unemployment benefits. There may also still be questions on the CARES Act. Additionally, we know that many of you will most likely continue to turn to our 2020 coverage of coronavirus-related issues for guidance. For that reason, we will try our best to offer needed updates for the sake of accuracy and relevance.
The list of the ten most-viewed articles is based on unique page views and starts with the tenth-most uniquely viewed piece and ends with the article that received the most unique page views.
10. How New FMLA Changes Will Affect Churches During the Coronavirus Outbreak
These temporary provisions affect church leaders throughout 2020.
By Danny Miller and Donn Meindertsma
9. What if Someone in Church Has the Virus?
Understanding the rights of congregants, staff, and volunteers.
By Nathan A. Adams
8. Churches and Faith-Based Organizations May Apply for CARES Act Loans
New SBA guidance issued at 11 p.m. on April 3 clarifies eligibility after initial confusion.
By The Editors
7. How to Safely Reopen Your Church and Reduce Legal Liability
Don’t meet until you’ve consulted your local, state, and federal authorities and then follow the strictest guidelines.
By Holly Hammar Lear, PhD MPH RN
6. Will Your Church’s “Good Faith Certification” for a Paycheck Protection Loan Come into Question?
For loans under $2 million, the SBA will assume the borrower determined in “good faith” that it met the PPP loan requirement.
By Frank Sommerville and Cory Halliburton
5. What the CARES Act Means for Churches and Church Staff
How to navigate the government’s $2.2 trillion stimulus plan responding to COVID-19’s economic fallout.
By Richard R. Hammar
4. Coronavirus and the Church: The Latest News and Advice from Church Law & Tax
Doing church during the pandemic.
By The Editors
3. Are Church Employees Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
Sorting through a complex area of law as churches weigh difficult financial decisions.
By Matthew Branaugh
2. How Churches Can Apply for the Paycheck Protection Program
What leaders should know—including a change extending the application deadline to August 8, 2020.
By Ted R. Batson Jr.
1. An Overview of the CARES Act for Churches
Key highlights from the government’s $2.2 trillion stimulus plan responding to COVID-19.
By Richard R. Hammar
