Exclusive Online
August 2021

Recommended Reading
Religious Freedom and the Church 
From government mandates to public accommodation laws to employment issues, churches must understand what is and isn't constitutionally protected.

A Teacher Was Not Barred from Suing a Christian College for Discrimination 
The school could not use the “ministerial exception” as a defense against the suit, says Massachusetts court.

Recommended Reading
Church Employment Issues That Lead to Litigation
Notable court decisions about common employment disputes.

Church Not Responsible for Hayride Injuries 
But this case highlights the need for churches to set up stringent safeguards for inherently risky activities.

A Fired Pastor’s Defamation Suit Is Dismissed 
Appeals court said the lawsuit was barred due to the “ecclesiastical abstention doctrine.”

Employee Can Sue Church-Affiliated Organization for Disability Discrimination 
Case demonstrates how churches may be subject to federal or state laws banning discrimination based on disability.

IRS: Churches with Employer Identification Numbers Must Keep Information Current 
Prompt updates can help avoid unnecessary interest charges and penalties, deter fraudulent activity.

SBA’s PPP Changes May Help Churches with Loan Forgiveness 
Agency announces new direct forgiveness portal, removal of necessity questionnaires.

Recommended Reading
Key Employee Issues Unique to Churches—and How to Navigate Them
How the ministerial exception, job descriptions, internships, and employee handbooks can make your ministry sink or swim.

Part 1 of 6
Applying the Ministerial Exception to Church Employees 
Understanding this key legal doctrine, how it works, and when it matters—or doesn’t—for specific positions.

Part 2 of 6
Developing Strong Job Descriptions for Employees and Volunteers 
Well-crafted job descriptions are critical to each church’s mission and proper functioning.

Part 3 of 6
Internships: Blessings or Blind Spots? 
Here’s how churches can avoid tripping up on important legal, tax, and risk management issues with interns.

Part 4 of 6
The Importance of a Legally Sound Employee Handbook 
A handbook not only protects the church and its staff—it also helps create a healthy relationship between employer and employee.

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.

Key Tax Dates August 2021
File Form 941 and meet monthly or semiweekly requirements.