Informing faith communities about legal issues
FREE WEBINAR: “The Basics of Running a Legally Sound Church Business Meeting” ChurchLaw&Tax is hosting a free webinar on October 6 at noon E.D.T. Register for the webinar here. Here‘s what the description states the webinar will cover the following and more:
Derek Nelson, coauthor of Resilient Reformer: The Life and Thought of Martin Luther, shares some of the attitudes and work of Martin Luther toward the relationship of Church and government.
N.D. Ga.: Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine bars court from deciding “representative status” in Bishop’s suit seeking indemnification of legal fees. The Church Litigation Update covers the case, Kawimbe v African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc., Opinion and Order (N.D. Ga. Aug. 27, 2021), here. You can read the decision here.
“Bylaws: Indemnification” Every set of church and related ministry bylaws should address whether, to what extent, and under what conditions the legal and related costs of board members, employees, and other agents will be covered. Gene Takagi at Nonprofit Law Blog has a good overview here. Takagi’s piece includes a list and brief description of related types of insurance. It also mentions a couple specific items related to California law as well as a relevant section of a California statute that may not apply to your organization. Make sure to consult a legal professional in your jurisdiction.
“Board Assessments with Sample Management Questions” Blue Avocado has some insights and example questions for evaluating your board’s performance here.
W.D. N.C.: Catholic high school liable for firing teacher in same-sex marriage. The court rejected defenses based on the First Amendment—including the Ministerial Exception— Title VII, and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, among others. Religion Clause reports on the decision here. Read the decision here: Billard v. Charlotte Catholic High School, (W.D. N.C., Sept. 3, 2021).
“Ministerial Exception Requires Dismissal Of Title VII Claims By Catholic School Guidance Counselor” Religion Clause covers the decision here.
“Five Ways Designated Giving Can Get Your Church in Trouble.” Church Answers has a quick list of problems, legal, practical, and pastoral, here.
FREE WEBINAR: Top Legal Considerations for a Post-Pandemic Church. On May 20 at 1:00 p.m. E.D.T., the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability will host a free webinar featuring Erika E. Cole, who will discuss legal issues church leaders should consider in the coming months. The issues include commercial property, mergers, employment, and more. Click here to register and learn more.
The Society of Human Resource Managers describes the recent guidance here.