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The Pandemic, The Church, and Religious Liberty

Over the last three years, there have been multiple Supreme Court rulings regarding the church and religious liberty that have impacted congregations.

More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred many legal challenges as executive orders and other local and state government efforts attempted to either prohibit or significantly limit in-person gatherings. This initial response seemed understandable. But resistance to these measures also mounted, particularly in the religious liberty arena.

Courts across the country unsurprisingly reached differing—and often conflicting—conclusions, and by late last spring, the US Supreme Court started weighing in.

Watching our highest court navigate this issue—now at seven decisions and counting—has been fascinating. And there are some good lessons church leaders can learn. In a new article for ChurchLawAndTax.com, Richard Hammar and Matthew Branaugh briefly recap what got us here, and what each case means for churches.

Also this week:

  • Get a FREE copy of Preventing High-Tech Fraud when you complete our nationwide survey on financial misconduct.
  • Last chance to register for ChurchSalary’s free webinar on Wednesday, May 12. You’ll hear a panel of professionals discuss the shifts in secular workplace and how it is impacting the shape and structure of ministry, what the future holds for the church, and how leaders can prepare.
Twenty-three states now require their governments to meet higher standards whenever they “substantially burden” religious exercise.
Matthew J. Branaugh
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Along with monthly and semiweekly requirements, note quarterly filing, individual tax returns and contributions, and forms pertinent to your church or ministry.
Richard R. Hammar
Online or in-person, understand what churches need to know to conduct legally sound meetings.
The Editors
Church Governance
What leaders must know to conduct legally sound church business.
Your Complete Guide to Virtual Church Meetings
A toolkit for legal and compliant business meetings
50-State Public Accommodations Laws Report
How statutes and court decisions across the country do - or don't affect churches
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