Church Law & Tax Report
March/April 1992
Articles
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Priest's Lawsuit Against Diocese 
Court rules that it cannot resolve the case.
Religious and Sex Discrimination in Religious Organizations 
Can a former employee sue a religious organization for discrimination?
Confidential and Privileged Communications
Spiritual Counsel and the Clergy-Penitent Privilege 
When is a conversation protected?
Church Property; Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Denominations' Liability for Injuries Occurring on Church Property 
Who is liable when someone is injured on church property?
Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation 
Can religious organizations discriminate on this basis?
Plaintiffs' Refusal to Swear Under Oath 
Court rules that lawsuit cannot be dismissed because of a plaintiff's refusal to swear under oath.
Health Care and Insurance 
Calls for a national health care program will intensify.
Undeliverable 1990 Refund Checks 
The IRS is holding more than $25 million of checks.
Marriage
Can a court force a mother to take her son to church? 
The state may not require any citizen to attend religious services.
Church Property
Church Property and Withdrawal from a Denomination 
A local church may lose its property upon leaving its denomination.
"Use Taxes" and Churches 
Use taxes are designed to prevent the avoidance of sales tax.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Unincorporated Churches and Members' Lawsuits 
Can an unincorporated church be sued by a member?
Acknowledgment of Donors and the Unrelated Business Income Tax 
Recognition of a corporation as a donor does not constitute unrelated business.
Church Property; Zoning
Zoning Law and Church Property 
Does a Little League program violate zoning law?
Church Property; Zoning
Church Parking Lots and Zoning Law 
Court rules that a church's planned parking lot would violate zoning law.
Church Property; Zoning
Zoning Law and the Civil Rights Act 
Church sues for damages due to a city's unconstitutional actions.