Church Law & Tax Report
November/December 1992
Articles with a
are available only to members.
are available only to members.
Become a Member
Keep your church safe, legal, and financially sound.
When you become a member you get instant online access to help your church:
- Reduce potential legal liability
- Manage finances and risks
- Comply with IRS requirements
Articles
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Charitable Contributions
Substantiating Charitable Contributions
What are the reporting requirements?
Child Abuse; Confidential and Privileged Communications
Mandatory Reporters and the Clergy-Penitent Privilege
Can confessions of child abuse be privileged conversations?
Freedom of Religion
Discipline of Church Members
Churches' membership decisions are protected by the First Amendment.
Church Records
Inspection of Church Records
Can a church avoid the inspection of its records by placing them in a "secret archive"?
Church Records
Members' Right to Inspect Church Records
An Illinois appeals court decision provides some guidance.
Confidential and Privileged Communications
When Does the Clergy-Penitent Privilege Apply?
A court recently made a significant ruling.
Confidential and Privileged Communications
What Constitutes "Spiritual Counsel"?
The clergy-penitent privilege applies only in situations of spiritual counsel.
Confidential and Privileged Communications; Counseling
Counselors and the Clergy-Penitent Privilege
After a minister disclaims a counseling relationship, further communications are not privileged.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Missionaries' Sexual Misconduct
Is a denomination liable for the misconduct of its missionaries?
Employment Practices; Sexual Harassment
Employers' Liability for Sexual Harassment
A Washington court recently ruled on this matter.
Employment Practices
Discrimination on the Basis of Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Churches are exempted from a Missouri ban on this type of discrimination.
Officers, Directors, and Trustees
Breach of Fiduciary Duties
A court ruled that the directors of a charitable trust could be sued for breach of fiduciary duties.
Church Property; Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Injuries in Church Parking Lots
A woman sued a church after slipping and falling on their icy parking lot.
Church Property; Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Member Sues Unincorporated Church
He was injured while repairing the church's sound system.
Church Members; First Amendment
Can a Church Dismiss Members Who Sue the Church?
Court refused to issue an order prohibiting the church from conducting a meeting to dismiss the 75 members for suing the church.
