A Closer Look at COVID-19 and the Church Church Law & Tax's sister site takes a closer look at COVID-19 and the Church—how the pandemic changed everything. The Editors
Making Sense of Retirement for Church Leaders Learn how to address the most common issues in retirement planning for pastors and church staff.
Supreme Court: Religious Law Allows Clergy to be in Execution Chambers Law protecting prisoners' religious rights allows clergy to be present in execution chambers, Court says. Richard R. Hammar
New Mexico Court: Child Abuse Reporting Laws Did Not Apply to Pastor’s Testimony The defendant in this case was protected by both the clergy-penitent privilege and state statute. Richard R. Hammar
Court Allows Pastor’s Wrongful Dismissal Lawsuit to Proceed What church leaders should note about this surprising decision by a federal court in Ohio. Richard R. Hammar
Episode 8 | 39 min | December 6, 2021 How To Ensure a Smooth Succession, with Guest Bishop Ralph Dennis A plan can make all the difference, so why are leaders hesitant to create one? Erika E. Cole
Board Possessed Legal Authority to Fire Its Pastor State nonprofit corporation law factored heavily in the court's ruling. Richard R. Hammar
Read the Latest Update Key Loan Forgiveness Program Change May Help Church Workers with Student Debt Education department expands eligibility after 2017 Trinity Lutheran decision—but acceptance is still no certainty. Matthew Branaugh
Pastor Guilty of Securities Fraud Court sentenced pastor to nearly 25 years in prison for swindling his congregation, and others. Richard R. Hammar
Pastor’s Conversation with the Defendant Allowed in Murder Case The trial court did not abuse its discretion by letting the pastor testify. Richard R. Hammar
Church Member’s Arrest Justified Individuals who send threatening communications to a pastor can face criminal liability. Richard R. Hammar
The 10 Commandments of Church Management The 10 commandments of church management cover everything from intellectual property to unrelated business income. Frank and Elaine Sommerville
Unpaid Payroll Taxes: A Hidden Liability for Churches and Leaders A recent case in the for-profit world underscores the potential threat. Matthew Branaugh
Should a Church and Its Pastor Co-Own a Home? Is this a viable option given the high cost of housing? Interview by Bob Smietana
Definition of the Terms Pastor, Clergy, Minister — In General Key point 1-02. While religious organizations may designate persons as ministers for their religious purposes
Distinctions Between the Terms Pastor, Clergy, Minister Key point 1-01. The terms pastor, clergy, and minister are used in a number of
12 Law & Tax Guidelines for New Ministers Essential knowledge to ensure legal and financial clarity and integrity in ministry.