Church Law & Tax Report
November/December 2016
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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
Church Narrowly Avoids Liability in Advertising Services of Babysitter Who Later Molested Children
