Sexual Misconduct by Clergy and Church Workers – Part 1
A Massachusetts court ruled that a church did not have to disclose reference letters and internal documents relating to the discipline of a pastor in a lawsuit.
Fiduciary Duty
Officers, Directors, and Trustees
A Minnesota court ruled that a church officer violated his fiduciary duties to his church as a result of his secret efforts to remove the pastor and have the church property transferred to a new church.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy and Church Workers – Part 2
A Florida court ruled that a denominational agency, but not a local church, could be liable on the basis of negligent supervision for the sexual misconduct of a pastor.
Mission Trips
A Texas court ruled that it was barred from resolving several claims brought against a church by a former missionary who had contracted a serious illness.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy and Church Workers – Part 4
The Maine Supreme Court ruled that a church was not responsible for a member's molestation of a minor off of church premises.
Constitution, Bylaws and Charters
A District of Columbia appeals court ruled that it was prohibited from resolving a lawsuit brought by members of a church claiming that the board of trustees breached its fiduciary duties by authorizing an interest-free loan to the pastor
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy
A court refused to recognize "breach of a fiduciary duty" as a basis for liability by clergy who engaged in a sexual relationship with a counselee.
Recent Developments in Florida Regarding Sexual Misconduct by Clergy and Church Workers
A Florida court ruled that it was barred by the first amendment from resolving a woman's lawsuit claiming that she had been the victim of a priest's sexual misconduct.
Recent Developments in the Rhode Island Regarding Sexual Misconduct by Clergy and Church Workers
A federal court in Rhode Island ruled that the first amendment did not prevent it from resolving a lawsuit brought by victims of clergy sexual misconduct against church officials.
Recent Developments in Federal Appeals Court Regarding Insurance
A federal appeals court ruled that a church insurance policy did not provide for a legal defense of a minister who engaged in sexual relations with two members of his congregation.
Recent Developments in New Jersey Regarding Sexual Relationships with Counselees
The New Jersey Supreme Court allowed a woman to sue her pastor and church as a result of a sexual relationship that was initiated by the pastor.
Recent Developments in Colorado Regarding Sexual Misconduct and Fiduciary Duty
A Colorado court addressed the liability of a church and denominational agency for a sexual relationship between a youth pastor and a girl in his youth group.
Church Treasurers As Fiduciaries
Understanding the legal responsibilities a church treasurer has.
Liability of Church Board Members for Seizing a “Corporate Opportunity”
Church boards have mandated fiduciary duties.
Forgiving Our Debtors May Jeopardize Tax-Exempt Status
What a church should know before forgiving its debtors.
Breach of Fiduciary Duties
A court ruled that the directors of a charitable trust could be sued for breach of fiduciary duties.