Recent Blog Posts
US Attorney General on Protecting Religious Liberty
Dear Clients and Friends, On October 6th the Attorney General of the United States the Honorable Jeff Sessions issued a memorandum to governmental agencies and departments on Religious Liberties. It is a most interesting read. The memorandum was issued pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13798 (May 4, 2017), which directed the Attorney… Read More »
Housing Allowance Struck Down Again
Dear Clients and Friends, On October 6th a federal judge in Wisconsin has struck down as unconstitutional the Housing Allowance. Expect an appeal. If the Court of Appeals accepts the case it could rule on the actual underlying issue of whether the clergy housing exclusion is constitutional. Then off to the Supreme Court. I… Read More »
Six Tips After a Hurricane
1. First off, know your rights. After a hurricane, you may have issues with your church and property ranging from determining who is responsible for cleaning up to knowing when to keep making rent or mortgage payments. Because state laws and individual insurance policies vary, check with your insurance company or local authorities to know… Read More »
New Ad Announcement
I am excited to announce a new ad has gone out.
Certified Church Business Administrator
I am excited to announce on July 6, 2017 The Church Network renewed my credentials as a Certified Church Administrator. Continuing with these credentials and educational requirements allows me to be current in church business administration trends which in turn helps me serve you.
Church is Sued for Publication of Baptism Leading to Kidnapping
The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently decided a church court case. In John Doe v. First Presbyterian Church U.S.A. of Tulsa, Oklahoma and James D. Miller (Okla. Feb. 22, 2017), a nonmember filed suit against the church and its minister, alleging torts and breach of contract after he was baptized and notice of his baptism… Read More »
EEOC Expanding Title VII protections to Gender Identity
Without legislation from Congress the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has decided on its own to interpret protections against “sex” discriminations to include Gender Identification. It has recently restated its position publicly which is a concern. Does this mean stronger enforcement is around the corner? The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that… Read More »
Religious Expression in Florida Public Schools
A rather controversial bill that protects students expression of faith is making its way through the Florida House and Senate. Titled the “Florida Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act” it states: “A school district may not discriminate against a student, parent, or school personnel on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious… Read More »
EXECUTIVE ORDER – PROMOTING FREE SPEECH AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to guide the executive branch in formulating and implementing policies with implications for the religious liberty of persons and organizations in America, and to further compliance with the Constitution and with applicable… Read More »
Donations to Unincorporated Ministry is Income to Pastor
I have often addressed the legal implications of a church or ministry staying unincorporated. Recently a new court case came down which should again reiterate the importance of getting incorporated. In Gardner v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 845 F. 3d 971 (9th Cir. 2017), the court of appeal recently affirmed the ruling of the district… Read More »
