Church School Not Liable for Alerting Parents of Fired Coach’s Ban from Campus
Invasion of privacy claim failed because of how the school handled public messages about former employee.
Confidentiality
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.
Best Practices for Recording Church Events and Activities
From worship services to children's programs and business meetings, a sound policy ensures legal compliance.
Defendant’s Meeting with Pastor Was Not for Spiritual Advice
Man accused of sexual abuse of stepdaughter not protected by clergy-penitent privilege.
A Murder Confession to a Pastor Not Considered Privileged
The defendant waived clergy-penitent privilege by sharing substantial statements with others.
Clergy-Penitent Privilege
Learn what statements or conversations are considered “privileged.”
Inspection of Church Records
Know when to say "yes" to a request to view confidential information.
Are We Keeping It Confidential?
Nine question checklist to ensure financial and personal confidentiality.
Q&A: What If a Prayer Request Card Implies Child Abuse?
Start with knowing your state's mandatory reporting laws.
Church Staff Salaries: Better Private or Public?
Balancing transparency and accountability with privacy is key—but no easy task.
Clergy-Penitent Privilege Not Applicable to a Conversation with a Church Elder
Key point 3-07.2. In order for the clergy-penitent privilege to apply there must be a
Compelling Priest to Disclose Confidential Information Violated Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Case suggests that the RFRA may also serve as an alternative basis, in addition to clergy-penitent privilege laws, for protecting confidential communications with clergy from involuntary disclosure.
Using Social Media Safely
Policies to keep your church staff and members safe when using social media.
Government Inspection of Donor and Membership Lists
Key point 6-03.04. Church donor and membership lists are subject to government inspection, so long
Invasion of Privacy
Key point 4-04. Many states recognize “invasion of privacy” as a basis for liability. Invasion
Confidentiality
Key point 3-08.09. Clergy can be liable for disclosing communications shared with them in confidence
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.
First Amendment Religion Clauses Prohibit Court from Resolving Confidential Communications Claim
First Amendment religion clauses prevented the civil courts from resolving a parishioner's claim that a priest improperly disclosed his confidential communications without permission.
Incriminating Statements Made to Pastor Not Confidential Due to Public Setting, Retelling to Others
Church Law and Tax Report Incriminating Statements Made to Pastor Not Confidential Due to Public
Court May Rule on ‘Secular Contract’ Between Church and Former Employee
Church Law and Tax Report Court May Rule on ‘Secular Contract’ Between Church and Former