Church Law & Tax Report
January/February 2008
Articles
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Officers, Directors, and Trustees
Church Members Sue for Breach of Fiduciary Duties 
Court rules that the First Amendment bars it from resolving the complaint.
Church Members; Confidential and Privileged Communications; Counseling; Malpractice
Woman Sues Pastor for Divulging Confidential Information 
Court rules that the First Amendment prevents it from resolving case.
Church Property
Church Disaffiliation Property Dispute 
Court rules that national church holds title to local church’s property.
Child Abuse Reporting; Clergy - Removal
The First Amendment and Church Employment Disputes 
Courts are generally barred from resolving ministers’ employment claims.
Child Abuse Reporting; Clergy - Removal
Former Director of Evangelization Sues Diocese for Wrongful Termination 
Courts generally cannot resolve church employment disputes.
Child Abuse Reporting
School Not Liable for Teacher's Molestation of Student 
Court rules that the school lacked sufficient evidence to intervene.
Q&A
Q&A: Should Permission Slips Notarized? 
It is a good idea to check with a few local youth organizations and public schools to what method they use to authenticate signatures.