Last week’s e-newsletter noted the continued, troubling trend of child abuse allegations in churches. This week, we again revisit the trend, but this time to examine a different-but-related issue: insurance coverage.
Attorney Richard Hammar details a recent decision by a Missouri federal court regarding insurance coverage for an intentional tort lawsuit brought by a man against a pastor, his church, and the church’s regional and national denominational offices.
The plaintiff claimed the pastor groomed and abused him for two years when the plaintiff was a teenager. The national office’s commercial liability insurance coverage included additional coverage for sexual acts, so the office opened a claim with its insurer.
But the insurer rejected the claim. The denomination sued the insurer and asked a court to determine whether policy coverage would be available for the intentional tort lawsuit.
The Missouri federal court sided with the insurer. Unlock Hammar’s full analysis to find out why and what it means for churches and denominations.
On a related noted, don’t forget to join tomorrow’s free webinar. A panel of attorneys and church leaders will discuss how churches should respond when child abuse allegations arise. Sign up here.
