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are available only to members.
Feature Article
Articles
Church Liability for the Sexual Molestation of Minors
A recent case provides helpful guidance.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Church Property Disputes
Control of Property
An Iowa court ruled that a local church that was experiencing internal problems did not enter into an enforceable agreement to transfer governance responsibilities to a denominational agency.
Church Property Disputes
Property Disputes and Bylaws
Churches and denominational agencies can avoid church property disputes by adopting appropriate nondoctrinal language in deeds, trusts, local church bylaws, or denominational bylaws.
Counseling
Counseling and Clergy Malpractice
Most courts have rejected clergy malpractice as a basis for liability in all cases.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Whistleblower Act and Employer Retaliation
A Florida appeals court ruled that it was barred by the First Amendment from resolving a woman's claim under a state "whistle-blower" law.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Liability for Ex-Employees
Churches generally cannot be liable for the acts of employees that are committed in their own residences apart from an official church activity, or after the termination of their employment.
Zoning
Land Use Regulations
A federal district court in Michigan ruled that a city violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by denying a church the right to use its property for church purposes on the basis of a parking ordinance.
Zoning
Zoning and Substantial Burden
An Oregon court ruled that a county did not violate RLUIPA by denying a church permission to construct a parochial school on its premises.
Is There a Minimum Legal Age for Church Child Care Workers?
No, but the younger the worker, the more supervision required.
