Church Law & Tax Report
July/August 2008
Feature Article
Articles
Disclosing a Child Abuse Reporter's Identity 
Can the state reveal reporting sources?
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Woman Barred from Suing After Five-Year Sexual Relationship 
A New York state law prevented the woman from suing the synagogue leader.
Compensation and Benefits; Employment Practices
Church Employee Fired After Raising Objections to Financial Policies 
Court rules that woman can sue church for violation of public policy and emotional distress.
Clergy - Removal; Compensation and Benefits
Former Pastor Sues Church for Breach of Compensation Agreement 
Have all important documents reviewed by legal counsel.
Church Property; Defamation
Defamation: Statements of Opinion 
Statements of opinion are generally not considered defamatory.
Compensation and Benefits; Employment Practices
Denominational Agency Employee Sues for National Origin Discrimination 
Employers generally cannot be sued for discrimination based on isolated comments.
Zoning
Church's Application for Special Use Permit Denied 
City refuses to allow a church to move into an area zoned for industrial use.
Q&A
Q&A: Can Church Members Vote to Suspend Bylaws at a Business Meeting? 
Ten reasons why this isn't usually permissible.