Church Law & Tax Report
January/February 2015
Articles with a
are available only to members.
are available only to members.
Articles
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Compensation and Benefits; First Amendment
Exemption of Unemployment Services in the Employ of a Church Doesn't Violate First Amendment
Terminated employee unable to sue church for lack of unemployment benefits.
Taxation - Church Property
New York Court Rules Tax Exemption in Favor of Catholic Diocese
Closed churches’ occasional use for religious purposes is enough to exempt them from property taxes.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Church Could be Liable for Negligent Hiring
Court rules church hiring youth pastor without checking reference could be liable for workers' molestation of a minor.
Denominations - Legal Liability; Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Former Scout Leader Sued for Molestation
Court rules scouting organization is not responsible.
Invasion of Privacy; Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Church Deacon Secretly Records Teenage Girls in His Bathroom
A 10-year sentence at hard labor stands up in court.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Aurora Movie Theater Could Be Liable for 2012 Shooting
Federal court rules armed assailant’s shooting could have been prevented if security measures were taken.
Insurance
Pollution Exclusion in Insurance Policy Prevents Lawsuit
Pastor killed by carbon monoxide in church parsonage; wife is unable to sue for damages.
Clergy - Removal; Employment Practices
Seminary Professor Unable to Sue for Racial Discrimination
Ministerial exemption keeps court from getting involved in discrimination claims.
Clergy - Removal; Employment Practices
Ministerial Exemption Prevents Court from Resolving Lawsuit
Texas court claims they’re unable to resolve wrongful dismissal claim.
