Church Law & Tax Report
July/August 2014
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Feature Article
Protecting the Church's Name
Names and trademarks are good stewardship. Here's how to do it.
Articles
The Importance of Trademarks for Churches
Your ministry's goodwill and reputation are on the line.
Going Beyond the Church Name
Church content and programs also may need trademark protection.
A Church by Another Name
Legal considerations and steps for changing a church name.
Should Small Churches Worry about Protecting Names?
One small church's trademark fight with Adidas suggests yes.
Kentucky Court Dismisses Atheists' Challenge to Church and Clergy Tax Provisions
Conclusion: groups lacked 'standing' in order for federal case to proceed.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Church Is Liable for Molestation of Minor
Despite no prior incidents of misconduct, duty of care should have been enforced
Clergy - Discipline and Removal; Defamation; Employment Practices
Ministerial Exception Prevents Courts from Making Defamation Charges
Pastor accused by church leaders of producing pornography is unable to claim defamation in the courts
Child Abuse Reporting
Clergy-Penitent Privilege Protects Pastor
Charges of criminal failure to report child abuse were dismissed for one Michigan pastor.
Q&A
Q&A: Can Ministers "Opt Out" of Obamacare?
Exploring whether or not Form 4361 exempts ministers from the Affordable Care Act.
