Clergy—Removal
A federal district court in Georgia fined a pastor for filing frivolous lawsuits against his denomination relating to his dismissal.
Legal Defense
Insurance
A camp's general liability insurance policy did not apply to sexual misconduct claims because these claims were specifically excluded by the policy.
Arbitration
An Illinois court upheld the validity of a church arbitration policy despite the alleged "bias" of the arbitrators.
Retirement Plans
An Indiana court ruled that a provision in a church's bylaws requiring the church to make retirement payments to two former pastors took precedence over conflicting provisions.
An Insurer’s Duty to Indemnify and Defend
Recent case clarifies several points church treasurers should know.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers – Part 4
A Kentucky court ruled that a husband whose marriage was ruined as a result of an ongoing sexual relationship between his wife and the pastor of his church could not sue the pastor or his church.
Church Liability
A New Jersey court ordered a plaintiff to pay the attorney fees of a church employee because a lawsuit naming the employee as a defendant was frivolous.
Employment Practices
A New York court ruled that an employer's liability insurer was obligated to provide a defense of a lawsuit brought by a former employee.
Church Property – Part 2
An Ohio court ruled that a lease of oil and gas rights in church property could not be revised through oral testimony since the meaning of the lease was clear.
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy and Church Workers – Part 2
A Texas court upheld the criminal conviction of a pastor for sexually molesting four teenage girls who were students at a church-operated school.
Recent Developments in Ohio Regarding Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
An Ohio court ruled that a church was not responsible for injuries sustained by a minor who was injured while trespassing on church property.
Recent Developments in Illinois Regarding Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
An Illinois court ruled that a church could be liable for injuries sustained by participants in a "treasure hunt."
Recent Developments in Texas Regarding Employment Practices
A federal court in Texas ruled that a church could collect court costs that it paid in successfully defending itself in a lawsuit.
Recent Developments in Florida Regarding Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities
The Florida Supreme Court ruled that a funeral home was responsible for injuries sustained by a woman who was involved in an accident while driving her vehicle through a red light at a busy intersection as part of a funeral procession.
Hearsay Testimony
Ministers may be barred from testifying about statements made to them out of court.
Court Says Unincorporated Association Members Not Responsible for Defamatory Statements
Members hadn't authorized the statements made by other members.
Insurer Must Defend Diocese in Accusations Related to Child Molestation
Diocese had been accused of negligence in its supervision of accused priests.
Statement of Opinion Not Defamatory
Context of statements must be considered, court says.
Sexual Misconduct and Insurance Coverage
Insurance policies may not cover sexual misconduct by employees.
Asserting ‘Qualified Privilege’ In Lawsuits
In many states, this defense can be lost if churches don't assert it in an answer to a lawsuit.