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Legal Developments

Issues that affect ministers and churches
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StateTitle Category

Pastor Lacked Authority to Appoint Board Members Member access only

July 2022
 Charters, Constitutions, and Bylaws; Officers, Directors, and Trustees

Church Loses Property after Violating Deed Restriction Member access only

June 2021
 Church Property

Pastor Left Without Retirement Benefits Sues Church Member access only

May 2021
 Income Taxes - Clergy

Church Member's Arrest Justified Member access only

May 2020
 Criminal Liability

Pastor Who Embezzled Ordered to Pay Restitution Member access only

March/April 2019
 Fraud

Episcopal Diocese Wins Property Case in Breakaway Parish Movement Member access only

November/December 2018
 Church Property

Court Rules Workers’ Compensation Insurance Is Exclusive Benefit for Job-Related Injuries Member access only

May/June 2018
 Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities; Workers Compensation

Restrictive Provision in Churches’ Charitable Trust Can Be Expanded to Allow Additional Investments  Member access only

July/August 2017
 Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Student Successfully Appeals Lawsuit Against Synagogue for Injuries Sustained During Study Abroad Program Member access only

July/August 2017
 Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities

Court Rules Venue Owners Violated Discrimination Laws by Refusing to Host Same-Sex Wedding Member access only

May/June 2017
 Freedom of Religion; Marriage

New York Court Rules Custody and Responsibility of Children Ceases, Even on Property, When Parents Pick Up Their Children Member access only

May/June 2016
 Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities

The Extent of "Qualified Privilege" and the Legal Consequences of Violating Bylaws Member access only

March/April 2016
 Charters, Constitutions, and Bylaws; Defamation

Vaccines over Religious Exercise Member access only

July/August 2015
 Freedom of Religion

Stock Photos Warning Member access only

May/June 2015
 Copyright

New York Court Rules Tax Exemption in Favor of Catholic Diocese Member access only

January/February 2015
 Taxation - Church Property

Church Not Responsible to Supervise Outside Party Using Premises  Member access only

September/October 2014
 Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities

Meeting to Fire Pastor Was Invalid Member access only

January/February 2014
 Church Business Meetings

Clergy-Penitent Privilege Invalid in Murder Case Member access only

November/December 2012
 Confidential and Privileged Communications

Pastor's Sexual Misconduct Member access only

March/April 2012

Incorporated Arbitration Clauses Member access only

November/December 2011
 Clergy - Removal

ChurchLawAndTaxStore

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.
CARES Act and CAA Table
CARES Act and CAA Table Member access only
A Side-By-Side Look at COVID-19 Economic Relief
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