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April 2022
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Volunteer Youth Leader Sentenced to Five Years for Molesting Teen Girl
Case illustrates high-risk behaviors that should alert churches to the potential for sexual abuse.
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.
Court Can Resolve Church Dispute over the Election of a New Pastor
Such intervention is allowed if the court does not address religious doctrine or polity.
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.
QUICK REFERENCE CHART
How Various Political Activities Might Affect Tax-Exempt Status
A helpful chart weighing what’s permitted and what’s prohibited for churches, based on IRS guidance.
The Tax Implications of Churches and Political Involvement
Sorting through the IRS rules and guidance regarding political campaigns and legislative lobbying.
Politics, the Church, and Constitutional Protections
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.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to Five Years for Violating Megan’s Law
This case underscores four vulnerabilities creating risks, including the failure to consistently enforce an abuse-prevention policy.
Intentional and Grossly Negligent Acts Negate Release Forms
A Texas appellate court says a signed release form didn’t bar an injured soccer player from pursuing an assault lawsuit.
The Dangers of a Quiet Governance Change
Subtly shifting who has authority to make key decisions in your church may make sense—but may also erode congregational trust.
Key Tax Dates April 2022
Filing returns, key quarterly deadlines, exemptions, and more.
