Church Law & Tax Report
March/April 2014
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Feature Article
Funding Foreign Activities
Seven legal areas that trip up churches—and how to navigate them.
Articles
When Church Business Meetings Go Electronic
What to do if phone and Internet tools are used for off-site participants.
Beware of Church Seminar Scams
Questionable practices make some investigation essential.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Church Not Responsible for Teen Sleepover Injury
Court rules injuries sustained during off-site sleepover are not church's responsibility.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Commonwealth of Virginia Not Responsible for Virginia Tech Murder
State Supreme Court rules state not responsible; massacre was not reasonably foreseeable.
Compensation and Benefits
First Amendment Leaves Room for Employee Lawsuits
D.C. court of appeal rules religious freedom doesn't bar a pastor from suing for unpaid compensation.
Clergy - Removal; Employment Practices
Ministerial Exemption Bars Court's Ruling in Music Director's Dismissal
Federal Court unable to resolve claim that director's dismissal was based on age or disability.
Denominations - Legal Liability
Local Church Retains Control of Property
Court denies Episcopal national church ownership of building used by newly dissociated church.
Q&A
Q&A: Can a Church's "Irrevocable" Promise Become Revocable?
Why a church may have to honor a valuable commitment to a retired pastor.
