CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN MINISTRY CONTEXTS By Gregory Love & Kimberlee Norris When in doubt, REPORT. If every allegation of child sexual abuse was simply reported by church leaders to appropriate authorities, the resulting positive impact would be immeasurable. Survivors of abuse would feel validated — by itself a significant positive outcome — pathways to […]
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By Rev. Dr. Perry J. Hopper, MBA Managing church finances can be a complex task under the best circumstances. When we consider the unprecedented times in which we are currently living as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, managing church finances can become a daunting task. Churches rely on the tithes and offerings of their […]
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By Attorney Louis R. Briska The various State Executive Orders requesting people to stay at home during the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been commonly referred to as “Stay-at-Home” Orders. The belief held by local, state and federal health officials is that communities can minimize the spread of the Coronavirus by having families stay […]
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By Attorney Louis R. Briska In America (Version 2.0, post COVID-19 lockdown), there may be a coming wave of plaintiff’s lawsuits when the various state stay-at-home orders and public gathering limitations are lifted and people begin frequenting businesses and churches. These lawsuits, rooted in a theory of negligence, will allege that Church XYZ did not […]
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By Gregory Love & Kimberlee Norris Given the #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements and the ongoing media headlines, many church leaders have awakened to the risk of child sexual abuse and are seeking guidance about what to do. Others are taking this opportunity to evaluate existing safety efforts to measure preparedness. Typically, the criminal background check […]
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By Rhonda C. Proctor In much the same way that you care for your vehicle to keep it running properly, the equipment in a commercial kitchen needs care and maintenance as well. Don’t worry — it doesn’t require a technical degree; it just takes some organization, a schedule and basic information about when to do […]
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By Kimberlee Norris, attorney at law The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in the Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue case, wherein several parents are challenging a state court decision canceling a tuition subsidy program because it could be used to help send kids to church-affiliated private schools. As we noted last year when the […]
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By Gregory Love & Kimberlee Norris “Pastor Arrested for Molesting Teens in Youth Group,” screamed a recent media headline in a heavily populated metropolitan area. Unfortunately, it’s not an anomaly; headlines detailing child sexual abuse in ministry contexts occur almost daily. The reality is daunting: one in four girls and one in six boys will be […]
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Proven strategies to keep your people safe — from recognizing red flags to re-screening practices, cost considerations, and navigating potentially sensitive conversations Many churches fall victim to an “it-can’t-happen-here” mentality. In actuality, what makes churches especially prone to ill-intentioned volunteers? Norton: The nature and admirable traits of most clergy is one of compassion and trust. […]
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Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue poses critical church-state separation issues By Kimberlee Norris, attorney at law The Supreme Court will be deciding Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue this Term. The decision could be very important for Church Executive readers, particularly if it alters or clarifies the Court’s 2017 holding in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley. […]
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