Recent Developments in Maryland Regarding Church Elections A Maryland court ruled that a church dispute over an election did not have to be arbitrated but could be resolved by a civil court. Richard R. Hammar
Recent Developments in Federal Court Regarding Clergy Removal A federal appeals court ruled that it had no authority to resolve a "wrongful termination" claim brought by a minister against a religious employer. Richard R. Hammar
Church Members Sue to Remove Minister Courts are not permitted to interfere in "ecclesiastical matters". Richard R. Hammar
Bishop Sues Local Pastor for Refusing to Step Down A denomination's lawsuit against a minister cannot come from a denominational official. Richard R. Hammar
Civil Court Could Resolve a Lawsuit Brought by One Minister Against Another Minister Alleging Defamation Can the civil courts resolve a lawsuit brought by one minister against another minister alleging Richard R. Hammar
Court Was Able to Rule in a Church Issue Involving Church Funds and the Appointment of a New Minister Removal Richard R. Hammar
Court Concluded That a Motion to Fire a Minister Was Invalid Because of Improper Notification Can a minister be voted out of office at a congregational meeting if the notice Richard R. Hammar
Court Ruled Priest Could Not Sue Catholic Hospital for Wrongful Discharge In a significant decision, a California state appeals court ruled that a Catholic priest who Richard R. Hammar
Court Upheld the Validity of Proxy Votes in Church Business Meetings During a regular church business meeting, a member moved to terminate the services of the Richard R. Hammar
Civil Court Cannot Resolve Clergy Tenure Is a civil court the proper forum to resolve a controversy between a rabbi and Richard R. Hammar
Minister’s Authority to Replace Trustees Involves Ecclesiastical Law Civil courts must defer to churches and their own ecclesiastical organizations Richard R. Hammar