Church Law & Tax Report
September/October 1997
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are available only to members.
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Articles
Supreme Court Strikes Down Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Every church will be affected.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Church Property
Check Deed Before Renting Property
Some deeds contain restrictions prohibiting religious facilities.
Church Property
Review Deed Before Conveying Property
Be familiar with restrictions in your church's deed.
Church Property
Churches as Historic Landmarks
Restriction of a church's right to demolish a building may violate the First Amendment.
Former Minister Sues Church for Wrongful Dismissal
Courts generally will not intervene in churches' ministerial employment decisions.
Dismissed Minister Sues Former Church
Courts are reluctant to resolve employment disputes between ministers and churches.
Lawsuit Challenges Church's Selection of Pastor
Court rules that it cannot intervene.
Hearsay Testimony
Ministers may be barred from testifying about statements made to them out of court.
Freedom of Religion
Freedom of Religion at Work
Restrictions of employees' religious speech may violate the First Amendment.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Insurance Coverage of Sexual Misconduct
Be sure to know what your policy covers.
Defamation
Defamation and "Qualified Privilege"
Claims made to others concerning a matter of common interest generally are protected.
Counseling; Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Church and Pastor Sued Over Child Molestation
Don't ignore accusations of sexual misconduct.
Clergy Malpractice; Counseling; Defamation; Invasion of Privacy
Pastor Sued for Disclosing Confidential Information
Court ruled that a pastor and his church could be sued on the basis of malpractice and other grounds as a result of the pastor's disclosure of confidential information shared with him by a church member.
