The US Supreme Court wrapped up a busy—and volatile—2019–2020 term this month, issuing the last of several highly anticipated decisions, including ones with significant religious liberty implications for the leaders of churches and religious schools.

Attorney Richard Hammar, the senior editor of Church Law & Tax, closely followed two of these recently concluded rulings. He analyzed the Court’s opinions to extract the key takeaways for church and religious school leaders:

• In the first decision, a 5–4 majority determined Montana’s tax credit program providing student scholarships could be used toward tuition at church-run or religious-based schools. This is significant news going forward for families nationwide who wish to use state-related aid in some manner for their children to attend a religiously affiliated school.
• In the second decision, a 7–2 majority reaffirmed the ministerial exception and clarified its application in the context of teachers who work at religiously affiliated or church-run schools.

If you’ve missed Hammar’s recent coverage of other key Supreme Court decisions affecting religious liberty during this term, make certain you catch up now. One decision relates to church gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic; another relates to the possible employment law implications for churches based upon the Court’s interpretation of the term sex under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Speaking of religious liberty, make sure you buy our downloadable 50-state guide to religious freedom laws. It provides a comprehensive view of statutes and court decisions that directly affect your church’s activities.

Also this week:

• The Internal Revenue Service has updated its group exemption procedure—a notable development for denominations and churches that use group rulings.
• With the 2020 election season underway, check out our collection page providing your church with help to navigate it all.
• DON’T FORGET: Tomorrow (July 15) is an important date for tax deadlines, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Lord bless you and keep you,