Church Law & Tax Report
September/October 2013
Feature Article

The Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Rulings 
How these key decisions do—and don't—affect churches and clergy.
Articles

Does the New Obamacare Notice Requirement Apply to Churches? 
Compliance applies to all employers covered under FLSA.

ECFA Sets Higher Standards for Compensation, Transactions 
Why all churches should consider following these steps for pay and related-party deals.

Mastering Minutes for Church Business Meetings 
Why this task can't continue to be an afterthought for leaders.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Church-related School Required to Pay Benefits to Unemployed Principal 
Pennsylvania court ruled that because school was separately incorporated from church, it was not exempt from paying unemployment benefits.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Church Not Liable for Molestation 
Church had no prior knowledge of molestation by nursery worker.
Invasion of Privacy
Federal Court Rules Invasion of Privacy 
Employer viewing employee's Facebook page without permission is sued by employee.
Freedom of Religion
"Off-campus" Religious Instruction Doesn't Violate First Amendment 
Federal court rules religious program giving academic credit not a violation of the prohibition of an establishment of religion.
Defamation; Fiduciary Duty
Church Member Sues Pastor for Defamation 
Pastor sued for making widespread allegations that a church member was homosexual.
Church Members
Federal Court Barred from Resolving Dismissed Member's Lawsuit 
Ex-member unable to sue church leaders for misappropriation of church funds.
Q&A
Q&A: How Do We Handle an Application Answer that Changes? 
A volunteer candidate no longer mentions a pornography addiction.