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.
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.
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.
