Pastor Who Revealed Child’s Suicide During a Funeral Sermon Can’t Be Sued
Court: Ecclesiastical abstention doctrine bars lawsuit from the mother of deceased son.
Privacy
Social Media, the Church, and the Law, with guest, Heather Thompson Day
Find out if your church is using social media wisely and how to avoid unexpected surprises.
Best Practices for Recording Church Events and Activities
From worship services to children's programs and business meetings, a sound policy ensures legal compliance.
Are We Keeping It Confidential?
Nine question checklist to ensure financial and personal confidentiality.
Protecting Your Church from Lawsuits
Attorney Sally Wagenmaker offers insights on legal risks and liabilities associated with ministry in an interview with Matt Branaugh.
Q&A: What If a Prayer Request Card Implies Child Abuse?
Start with knowing your state's mandatory reporting laws.
Employee Privacy
Key Point 8-29. Employees may have a limited right of privacy in their workspace that
Death of the Counselee
Key point 3-08.12. The clergy-penitent privilege may continue to protect communications made to a minister
Church Records
Key point 3-08.11. The clergy-penitent privilege applies to confidential communications by counselees while seeking spiritual
Disclosure to Civil Authorities
Key point 3-08.10. The clergy-penitent privilege does not prevent clergy from disclosing confidential communications to
Confidentiality
Key point 3-08.09. Clergy can be liable for disclosing communications shared with them in confidence
Child Abuse Reporting
Key point 3-08.08. Clergy who are mandatory reporters of child abuse are excused from a
Constitutionality of the Privilege
Key point 3-08.07. The clergy-penitent privilege is not required by the First Amendment guaranty of
The Privilege in Federal Courts
Key point 3-08.06. Federal courts generally apply state clergy-penitent privilege statutes. In 1972 the United
Waiver of the Privilege
Key point 3-08.05. In most states a counselee can waive the clergy-penitent privilege by disclosing
When to Assert the Privilege
Key point 3-08.04. The clergy-penitent privilege does not excuse ministers from appearing in court or
Who May Assert the Privilege
Key point 3-08.03. In most states either the minister or counselee can assert the clergy-penitent
Marriage Counseling
Key point 3-08.02. The clergy-penitent privilege may apply to communications made to a minister in
Clergy-Parishioner Relationship
Key point 3-08.01. The courts have not required that a counselee be a church member
In the Course of Discipline
Key point 3-07.05. In some states the clergy-penitent privilege only applies to communications made to