Category: Church

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that outlines the terms and conditions of employment. Having these terms in writing helps to create a transparent relationship between the religious organization and its workers, reducing the likelihood of conflicts. Do religious workers need these contracts? In many jurisdictions, religious […]

The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) is a federal law enacted in 2000 to protect individuals and religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and land-use regulations. It also safeguards the religious exercise rights of institutionalized persons, including prisoners. RLUIPA ensures that governmental entities do not impose burdens on the religious exercise of […]

Churches serve as pillars of communities, offering spiritual guidance and support to their members. However, regarding legal matters, whether churches should be incorporated is debated. Incorporation provides legal recognition and protection but involves specific responsibilities and implications.  What Is Church Incorporation? Church incorporation forms a legal entity for a religious organization, separate from its members. […]

The intricate workings of a church involve much more than just spiritual guidance and community involvement. Behind the scenes, there are legal structures in place to govern how they operate. Church bylaws serve a vital function, shaping how these religious institutions govern themselves. Why are they important, and what do they cover? Church bylaws are […]

Churches can be sued just like any other legal entity. Just because they are non-profit entities does not mean that they can ignore all state and federal employment laws. Employees and those not hired for jobs may be entitled to financial compensation if they were victims of illegal practice. Churches are subject to anti-discrimination laws […]

Tax-exempt status is crucial for a church. Congregants and others want to be able to take a tax deduction for money that they donate. In many cases, congregants would give more than they otherwise would have because they can save on their taxes. IRS law aims to encourage non-profit organizations and make it easier to […]

Starting a church involves a detailed process that can be heavily legal. The steps you take at the beginning of the process can determine whether your church may run smoothly. It is best to contact a lawyer at the beginning of the process. They can help set up your church for success. Here is how […]

Churches cannot operate without regard for the legal environment. Otherwise, they could risk their finances and continued ability to serve congregants. Every church needs a lawyer to help them be proactive and help them avoid potential legal pitfalls. Investing in legal help now can mean that a church avoids problems in the future. Here are […]

Churches, even though they are non-profits, can be sued just like any other entity. These churches need to focus on risk management, both to protect other people and their bottom line. There are a series of steps that your church must take to provide a safe environment. Risk management is part of the stewardship of […]

Churches can be sued just like any other organization. Being sued is one of the greatest nightmares that your church can face. The potential liability can put your church at risk. There are mistakes that you should avoid because they can make a bad situation worse. You should hire an attorney immediately after you find […]