Church Law & Tax Report
September/October 2018
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Feature Article
Protecting Your Church from Cyber Threats
Three experts discuss the tactics targeting churches—and why leaders must remain vigilant.
Articles
The Growing Need for Cyberliability Insurance
How increased online and electronic activity exposes congregations to new risks.
How to Create a Church Culture of Accountability in the #MeToo Era
Four strategies for responding to abuse victims and survivors.
Masterpiece Cakeshop Ruling and Religious Freedom
This case and two others reflect the complexities of issues related to public accommodation.
Beware of This "Donor" Scam
Why a refund request for a donation should ring alarm bells.
Best Practices for Avoiding Cyberliability Problems
Steps to take to avoid data breaches and other mishaps.
New Malware Attacks Routers: What Churches Should Do
Is your church at risk?
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Workers Compensation
Workers' Compensation Sole Remedy for Sexually Assaulted Employee
In many states, workers' compensation is the sole remedy available to an employee in such cases so long as the injury is work related and no exception applies.
Taxation - Church Property
Property Tax Exemption Does Not Apply to Municipal Special Assessment
Court ruled that the exemption of church property from taxation did not bar cities from requiring churches to share in the costs of public improvements, such as street resurfacing, that directly benefited them
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Church Member Injured in Tug of War Assumed Risk of "Common" Consequences
Competent adults who voluntarily expose themselves to a known risk have assumed that risk and cannot seek monetary damages for injuries due to that risk.
Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
Court Ruled a University Has a Duty to Protect Others from Foreseeable Violence
Colleges have a duty to act with reasonable care when aware of a foreseeable threat of violence in a curricular setting.
Confidential and Privileged Communications
Murder Suspect's Statements to Church Employee Not Privileged
Inculpatory statements made by a murder suspect to a church employee were not protected from disclosure by the clergy-penitent privilege because the employee was not a minister and the privilege had been waived.
Clergy - Discipline and Removal
Court Barred by the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine from Resolving a Pastor's Employment Dispute
Court concluded it could not interfere in matters of ecclesiastical polity by determining whether the defendants acted appropriately in handling the plaintiff's employment.
