Church Law & Tax Report

March/April 1995

Articles

Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar

New Jersey "charitable immunity" law cited in case.

Courts can resolve clergy dismissal cases if consideration of ecclesiastical matters are not involved.

Counseling

Some states allow clergy to keep confessor identities a secret.

Counseling

Few states allow clergy to waive penitent privilege without counselee consent.

Court rules denomination rules are for ecclesiastical control, not legal liability.

Religious groups may be liable for exhibitors' copyright infringement.

Court rules public school cannot charge higher rental fees to church groups than other community groups.

Civil courts cannot resolve disputes involving ecclesiastical issues.

Court rules church not responsible for injuries sustained on a rain-dampened ramp.

Churches are only liable if criminal record correlates to the injuries a worker may cause, court rules.

Court says it can't get involved in dispute involving religious group's ousted members.

Some states will not allow charities to be sued because of negligence.

Churches may be liable for problems arising from employees whose backgrounds have not been appropriately checked.

A retracted accusation of abuse not always indicative of accused's innocence, court rules.

Zoning

Zoning laws may prevent churches from having homeless shelters on their property.

Church Property; Contracts

Churches may lose property if they accidently trigger a reverter clause.