Church Law & Tax Report
November/December 1997
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are available only to members.
are available only to members.
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Articles
How the New Tax Changes Will Impact Ministers and Churches
Every church and minister will be affected.
Using Polygraph Exams
A recent case addresses legal concerns.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Definition of "Church" for Purposes of Civil Law
Some organizations may be labeled "religious" even if they exist for charitable purposes.
Copyright
Distribution of Copyrighted Materials
Check before distributing materials to ensure you're not in violation of copyright law.
Insurance
Insurance Coverage of Acts of Molestation
An offender's homeowner's insurance policy will not cover such acts.
Retirement Plans
Dismissed Ministers' Rights to Pension Benefits
Court rules that it is permitted to resolve claim.
Schools; Sexual Harassment
School Liable for Principal's Sexual Harassment of School Employees
Don't ignore accusations of sexual misconduct.
Counseling; Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Husband Sues Church Over Wife's Affair with Minister
Who can sue for damages resulting from an affair?
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Prosecution of Child Molesters
Public statements made by accused molesters may be used against them in court.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Prior Acts of Sexual Misconduct
Evidence of prior "bad acts" is generally not admissible in court.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Statute of Limitations Bars Group's Lawsuit
Seven adults, molested by a priest as children, attempted to sue their former church.
Counseling; Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Churches' Liability After Out-of Court Settlements
If a pastor is released from liability for sexual misconduct, his denomination cannot be liable.
Vocational Training Programs and the Unrelated Business Income Tax
IRS rules that this income is not subject to the UBIT.
