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Church & State

Supreme Court: First Amendment Protected High School Coach’s Postgame Prayers

Supreme Court: First Amendment Protected High School Coach’s Postgame Prayers Member access only

The decision also struck down the controversial Lemon test for Establishment Clause cases.
Richard R. Hammar
Supreme Court: Maine’s Tuition Assistance Rule Violated the First Amendment

Supreme Court: Maine’s Tuition Assistance Rule Violated the First Amendment Member access only

The state barred funds for parents to use at religious schools, offending the Free Exercise Clause, majority holds.
Richard R. Hammar
Supreme Court: Clergy Should Be Allowed in Execution Chambers

Supreme Court: Clergy Should Be Allowed in Execution Chambers Member access only

Decision offers greater protections for chaplains and those providing prison ministry.
Richard R. Hammar
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania

Priest Claimed Defamatory and False Statements Led to His Dismissal Member access only

But a court ruled the ministerial exemption barred it from resolving the priest’s claim.
Richard R. Hammar
Answering Listeners’ Questions About Legal Issues

Answering Listeners’ Questions About Legal Issues

Tackling board member liability, religious worker visas, childcare policies for home Bible studies, compensation-setting practices, and more!
Erika E. Cole
FederalFederal

Court Barred by “Ministerial Exception” from Deciding a Gay Pastor’s Discrimination Lawsuit Member access only

But the case illustrates the potential for a church being liable for sexual harassment or creating a hostile workplace.
Richard R. Hammar
VirginiaVirginia

Court Can Resolve Church Dispute over the Election of a New Pastor Member access only

Such intervention is allowed if the court does not address religious doctrine or polity.
Richard R. Hammar
Churches and Political Activities
RECOMMENDED READING

Churches and Political Activities

Understanding how a church's tax-exempt status is affected—or not—when it supports or opposes candidates, distributes voter guides, advocates for certain issues, and more.
The Editors
How Various Political Activities Might Affect Tax-Exempt Status
QUICK REFERENCE CHART

How Various Political Activities Might Affect Tax-Exempt Status Member access only

A helpful chart weighing what’s permitted and what’s prohibited for churches, based on IRS guidance.
From the editors of Church Law & Tax
The Tax Implications of Churches and Political Involvement

The Tax Implications of Churches and Political Involvement Member access only

Sorting through the IRS rules and guidance regarding political campaigns and legislative lobbying.
Richard R. Hammar
Politics, the Church, and Constitutional Protections

Politics, the Church, and Constitutional Protections Member access only

The Johnson Amendment and other tax laws try to limit activities by churches that intersect with politics—but the Constitution offers more cover than many pastors and leaders realize.
Erik Stanley
Navigating Vaccine and Mask Mandates

Navigating Vaccine and Mask Mandates Member access only

An attorney explores the best courses of action for churches to take.
Lisa A. Runquist
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