Jump directly to the Content
Explore

Legal Developments

Issues that affect ministers and churches
[reset]
StateTitle Category

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

Church Not Liable for Molestation  Member access only

September/October 2011
 Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

ChurchLawAndTaxStore

Protecting Your Church from Crime and Violence
Protecting Your Church from Crime and Violence  Member access only
Assess the security of your church and learn how to prevent crime.
Politics and the Church
Politics and the Church Member access only
Tax and legal guidelines faith-based organizations need to know before jumping into the political fray.
More Resources