Lessons From Aretha Franklin’s Holographic Will
The Queen of Soul left a holographic will under a couch cushion. What happened next is a valuable lesson for church leaders.
Clergy, Law
Key rights and potential liabilities for ordained religious leaders; counseling, penitent privilege
WATCH: The Dangers of Raising Money For One Thing—And Spending It On Another
Church leaders would do well to pay attention to this fraud lawsuit against a Michigan archdiocese.
Part 4 of 4: The ‘Discovery Rule’ and What It Means for Abuse Victims and Churches
The discovery rule is an exception to the statute of limitations with far-reaching implications for both abuse victims and churches.
Part 3 of 4: A New Federal Law May Expand Abuse Victims’ Rights to Pursue Damages
The Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022 places no time limits on when victims can sue.
Part 2 of 4: Is Your Church Prepared for a Decades-Old Abuse Claim?
Pastors, church boards and everyday church members should understand the liability that can come with a decades-old abuse claim.
Part 1 of 4: More States Expand Victims’ Rights to Sue for Abuse
New laws extend, and in some cases, eliminate statutes of limitations for filing civil lawsuits in connection with abuse cases.
4-Part Series: Expanding Abuse Victims’ Rights and What It Means for Churches
As state and federal lawmakers understandably expand abuse victims' rights, Church Law & Tax examines what it all means for churches.
10 Legal and Tax Developments for Churches and Church Staff
Richard Hammar covers what church leaders should know—and anticipate—for the rest of 2022 and into 2023.
The Top 5 Reasons Churches and Religious Organizations End Up in Court
And how you can make sure your church isn't one of the statistics.
Supreme Court Reaffirms and Expands Ministerial Exception
What the ruling means for churches and religious organizations.
When Does the Clergy-Penitent Privilege Exempt Reporting Child Abuse?
Montana Supreme Court interprets the state's mandatory child abuse reporting law did not apply and rules in favor of church.
Clergy-Penitent Privilege
Learn what statements or conversations are considered “privileged.”
Ministerial Exception
The law doesn't always protect pastors from employment discrimination.
15 Things Richard Hammar Wants Pastors to Know
Insights to help you successfully navigate the complexities of church administration.
Protecting Your Church from Lawsuits
Attorney Sally Wagenmaker offers insights on legal risks and liabilities associated with ministry in an interview with Matt Branaugh.
When Is It Wise to Pay for Legal Counsel?
Attorney Sally Wagenmaker offers guidelines on when to consider paid professionals in an interview with Matthew Branaugh.
Five Lessons from the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report
How church leaders should respond as public revulsion for child-abuse scandals grows.
The Masterpiece Cakeshop Ruling and Religious Freedom
This case and two others reflect the complexities of issues related to public accommodation.
Liability for Calling Church Employees on Their Cell Phones
Family of woman killed in fatal car accident caused by pastor claimed it was due to “negligent distraction.”
The Changing Face of the Executive Pastor Role
A longtime XP discusses what is changing for a position once limited to large churches.