Court Decisions Recognizing Fiduciary Duty Claims
Key point 10-13.01. A few courts have found churches and denominational agencies liable on the
Sex Offender
Negligent Selection of Church Workers—Sexual Misconduct Cases Involving Adult Victims
Key point 10-05. A church may be liable on the basis of negligent selection for
Negligent Supervision of Church Workers—Sexual Misconduct Cases Involving Adult Victims
Many of the cases in which churches have been sued for negligent supervision involve incidents
Counseling—In General
Key point 10-12. Churches face a number of legal risks when they offer counseling services
Ratification
Key point 10-14. Churches may be liable on the basis of “ratification” for the unauthorized
Negligent Supervision of Church Workers—Sexual Misconduct Cases Involving Minor Victims
Many of the cases in which churches have been sued for negligent supervision involve incidents
Negligent Supervision of Church Workers—In General
Tip. A number of courts, in addressing the question of whether clergy are employees or
Negligent Selection of Church Workers—Sexual Misconduct Cases Involving Minor Victims
Resource. For comprehensive training for church leaders, staff, and volunteers, see R. Hammar, Reducing the
Diagnostic Criteria for Pedophilia Redefined
Why churches must understand the severe nature of a pedophile's offenses.
Child Sexual Abuse Response Plan
Put a plan into action to prevent child sexual abuse from happening in your church.
Sex Offenders in the Church
Legal and safety concerns to address when dealing with a sex offender.
Dealing with Dangerous People
This resource goes through safety measures to ward off dangerous individuals from entering your church.
12 Lessons from Penn State’s Abuse Scandal
Church leaders must set and follow policies—and keep watch.
Clergy-Penitent Privilege Doesn’t Apply in Molestation Case
Pastor's account stands because statements made by member weren't confidential; privilege had been waived.
Sex Offender Sentenced to Life Term of Supervised Release
A federal appeals court ruled that sentence did not amount to "cruel and unusual" punishment.
Q&A: Notifying the Congregation of a Sex Offender
Church leaders must consider several points to make an informed decision.
Assessing Sex Offenders’ Risk of Reoffending
How diagnostic tools can help measure the danger.
Sex Offenders in Church
1. Introduction Church leaders are increasingly confronted with a challenging and novel question: How do
Q&A: Sex Offender Wants to Serve in Children’s Ministry
Should we allow him to volunteer?
Probation Conditions for Sex Offenders at Church
Check the probation arrangements of offenders who attend your church.