Church Law & Tax Report
March/April 2010
Articles with a
are available only to members.
are available only to members.
Feature Article
Call to Order
Churches can and should select a specific body of parliamentary procedure by an appropriate clause in the church's governing document.
Articles
Is Preaching About Homosexuality a Hate Crime?
Limitations of the new Hate Crimes Act.
Thinking of Buying a House?
Modified homebuyer credit may make now the best time for pastors to make a move.
Will Ministers Lose Tax-Exempt Housing Benefits?
Longstanding law challenged in federal court case.
Common Sources of Parliamentary Procedure
Other options to consider besides Robert's Rules of Order.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Defamation
False Accusations
Court rules that a priest cannot sue men who accused him of sexually molesting them.
Defamation
Malicious Statements
Court rules that committee's statements are protected by "qualified privilege."
Confidential and Privileged Communications
Expectation of Secrecy
Court rules that murderer waived his right to the privilege.
Marriage
Legal Marriage Requirements
Couples united in "religious ceremonies" are not lawfully married.
Copyright; Invasion of Privacy; Schools
Invasion of Privacy
Court rules that school's sale of a recorded school play does not invade students' privacy.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Probation Conditions for Sex Offenders at Church
Check the probation arrangements of offenders who attend your church.
Confidential and Privileged Communications
Confidentiality During Spiritual Counsel
Only statements made in the course of seeking spiritual counsel are protected by the privilege.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Liability for Playground Injuries
What churches can learn from ruling involving a school.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Responding to a Disruption During a Service
Court says church isn't liable for restraining woman.
Church Members; Defamation; First Amendment
Church Finance Disputes
Court rules that it cannot resolve a claim relating to a church's financial expenditures.
Q&A
Q&A: Paying Honoraria to Board Members
Are there any legal or tax implications to this "expression of appreciation"?
