Church Law & Tax Report
July/August 2012
Articles with a
are available only to members.
are available only to members.
Feature Article
Key Changes in Robert's Rules of Order, 11th Edition
Make sure church meetings are conducted consistently with your parliamentary authority.
Articles
Church Law & Tax Report Celebrates 25 Years
Times and technology change, but the mission remains the same.
Preventing Flare-Ups with Wi-Fi Hotspots
What churches should know about the legal liabilities of wireless access.
EEOC Issues Guidance on Background Checks
What churches should note for screening policy.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Bankruptcy; Charitable Contributions
Tithing When You're Bankrupt
Can bankruptcy trustees recover charitable contributions made by bankrupt debtors?
Charters, Constitutions, and Bylaws; Church Members
Court Intervention in Church Legal Disputes
If religious doctrine is involved, courts typically won't intervene in governance disputes.
Employment Practices
Discriminating Against Obese Employees
Court rules that severe obesity is a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Discretionary Funds; Fraud
Use of Discretionary Funds for Personal Purposes
Misuse of church funds can lead to legal problems.
Marriage
Performing "Religious" Marriage Ceremonies
Risks of officiating at "religious" marriages that don't comply with state law.
Denominations - Legal Liability; Retirement Plans
Liability for Retirement Fund Losses
Protect your retirement fund and its governing board from liability for losses.
Q&A
Q&A: Do We Have to Pay Overtime?
The Fair Labor Standards Act does not allow averaging of hours over two or more weeks.
