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are available only to members.
Articles
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Charitable Contributions
Substantiating Charitable Contributions
What are the reporting requirements?
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.
Freedom of Religion
Can a Church Dismiss Members Who Sue the Church?
An Ohio court recently ruled on this issue.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Member Sues Unincorporated Church
He was injured while repairing the church's sound system.
