Explore

Church Law & Tax Report

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

Become a Member

Keep your church safe, legal, and financially sound.

When you become a member you get instant online access to help your church:

  • Reduce potential legal liability
  • Manage finances and risks
  • Comply with IRS requirements
Learn More

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

ChurchSalary

ChurchSalary

Experience a whole new way to set compensation. Eliminate the guesswork – get access to detailed compensation reports in just minutes.

Get Started|Learn more
Resources
Best Practices for Receiving Charitable Contributions

Best Practices for Receiving Charitable Contributions  Member access only

Practical help and clear understanding on issues surrounding charitable contributions.
Managing the Legal Risks of Lay Counseling

Managing the Legal Risks of Lay Counseling Member access only

Develop specific policies and procedures that protect your church, lay caregivers, and those who receive care.
More Resources
Christianity Today
Give Today
Christianity Today strengthens the church by richly communicating the breadth of the true, good, and beautiful gospel.
© 2019 Christianity Today - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Back to top