Church Law & Tax Report
January/February 2014
Feature Article

10 Key Points from the Housing Allowance Ruling
What churches and clergy must know now about the decision in Wisconsin.
Articles

Message Sent: Liability May Exist for Senders of Texts 
A startling ruling underscores the importance of cell phone policies for churches.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Marriage
Marriage License Never Returned to County Clerk; Marriage Still Valid 
Court ruled a 26-year-marriage valid because the existence of marriage was provable without official record.
Clergy - Removal; Employment Practices
Ministerial Exception Prevents Court from Resolving Employment Dispute 
Church Property
Document Stating Affiliated-Denomination Properties Were Owned by Denomination Is Not Enforceable 
Indiana Supreme Court says PCUSA trust law clashed with Indiana trust law, gives ownership of church building to local church.
Church Business Meetings
Meeting to Fire Pastor Was Invalid 
New York Court ruled that a church meeting requiring two-thirds vote to terminate pastor’s employment didn't give church members full notice of meeting; it was therefore invalid.
Q&A

Q&A: Is Parental Consent Needed for Children on Church Videos? 
Seven things church leaders should note on this evolving area of law.