Church Law & Tax Report
July/August 2016
Feature Article

Assumption of Risk Forms: A Legal Blind Spot for Many Churches 
Without careful legal review, these forms are useless to churches.

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.
Articles

Navigating Church IT to Protect the Church 
Balancing risks with helpful technology for congregations and staff.
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Court Rules Former Employee of Church School Ineligible for Unemployment Benefits 
Most state unemployment compensation law contains an exemption for church-operated schools.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Louisiana Court Affirms Decade Sentence for Church Volunteer Convicted of Molestation 
Confidential and Privileged Communications
‘Spiritual Adviser’ Limits of Clergy-Penitent Privilege Outlined by Massachusetts Court Ruling 
Clergy - Discipline and Removal; Fraud
Michigan Court Rules ‘Ecclesiastical Abstention’ Bars It from Resolving Church Dispute by Interpreting Polity 
Clergy - Discipline and Removal
Indiana Court Rules First Amendment Prevents It from Resolving Pastor’s Compensation Lawsuit 
Clergy - Discipline and Removal
Mississippi Supreme Court Rules First Amendment Bars Resolving Pastor's Dismissal Suit 
Q&A
Q&A: Is It Ever Okay to Break Our Church's Bylaw Notification Requirement? 
What if a proposed bylaw change is adopted and impacts another provision in the bylaws?