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Church Law & Tax Report

July/August 2016
Articles with a Member Access Only are available only to members.

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Feature Article

Assumption of Risk Forms: A Legal Blind Spot for Many Churches

Assumption of Risk Forms: A Legal Blind Spot for Many Churches Member access only

Without careful legal review, these forms are useless to churches.
Richard R. Hammar
A 16-Point Evaluation for Assumption of Risk Forms

A 16-Point Evaluation for Assumption of Risk Forms

Consider these key points in evaluating the validity of a release or assumption of risk form.
Richard R. Hammar

Articles

Navigating Church IT to Protect the Church

Navigating Church IT to Protect the Church Member access only

Balancing risks with helpful technology for congregations and staff.
Interview by Bobby Ross Jr.

Recent Developments

Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Illinois

Former Employee of Church School Ineligible for Unemployment Benefits, Rules Illinois Court Member access only

Louisiana
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Louisiana Court Affirms Decade Sentence for Church Volunteer Convicted of Molestation Member access only

California
Employment Practices

California Court Rejects Religious School’s Motion to Dismiss Disability Discrimination Claim Member access only

Massachusetts
Confidential and Privileged Communications

‘Spiritual Advisor’ Limits of Clergy-Penitent Privilege Outlined by Massachusetts Court Ruling Member access only

Michigan
Embezzlement

Michigan Court Rules ‘Ecclesiastical Abstention’ Bars It from Resolving Church Dispute by Interpreting Polity Member access only

Indiana
Clergy - Discipline and Removal

Indiana Court Rules First Amendment Prevents It from Resolving Pastor’s Compensation Lawsuit Member access only

Mississippi
Clergy - Discipline and Removal

Mississippi Supreme Court Rules First Amendment Bars Resolving Pastor's Dismissal Suit Member access only

Q&A

Q&A: Is It Ever Okay to Break Our Church's Bylaw Notification Requirement? Member access only

Richard R. Hammar

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Resources
Internal Controls for Church Finances

Internal Controls for Church Finances Member access only

Learn how to protect your church's money.
Church Issues: Waivers and Release Forms and Church Liability

Church Issues: Waivers and Release Forms and Church Liability Member access only

What these documents do—and don't do—based on statutes and court decisions made nationwide.
More Resources
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