Church Law & Tax Report
November/December 2016
Feature Article

Responding to Anonymous Allegations 
An unknown party seriously accuses a church leader. What should be done?
Articles
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
North Carolina Appeals Court Ruling Shows Limits of Negligent Selection and Negligent Supervision 
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
‘Discovery Rule’ Allows Floating Statute of Limitations for Some Child Sexual Abuse Victims 
Marriage
Pastors Can Be Subject to Criminal Penalties for Not Complying with Legal Requirements for Valid Marriage under State Law 
The legal effect of a marriage without a valid license is not the invalidation of the marriage, but rather, criminal sanctions against a minister who knowingly performs a marriage without a license.
Employment Practices
Court May Rule on 'Secular Contract' Between Church and Former Employee 
Confidential and Privileged Communications; Counseling
Lay Bible Study Leader Successfully Invokes Clergy-Penitent Privilege 
The privilege was not necessarily precluded or waived by the practitioner's disclosure of statements made to him by the penitent in the course of spiritual counsel
Confidential and Privileged Communications
Author's Identity of Anonymous Letter Not Protected by Clergy-Penitent Privilege 
Clergy - Discipline and Removal
Lutheran Minister's Wrongful Termination Suit Dismissed Due to 'Ministerial Exception' 
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers