With many nonprofit organizations, there has been a tendency to select members of the board of directors on the basis of the prestige these directors will lend to the organization. Many directors respond by regarding the position as an "honorary" or "figurehead" type of position, rather than actively participating in the direction and oversight of the organization. Read more >>
There are so many fraudulent schemes within the church that an Investor Alert, Preying on the Faithful, was issued by the North American Securities Administrators Association and the Council of Better Business Bureaus. It states: Read more >>
"A church may not discriminate on the basis of such characteristics as sex, but it can discriminate on the basis of religion. For example..."
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"The number of church disputes ending up in court has recently increased dramatically. Contrary to the scriptural admonition to settle disputes within the church, civil courts are now full of cases involving churches."
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Then a new board member asked for more information and the board discovered that in addition to services at the church, these groups had outside bible services, were sending their people (including children) door to door to witness, were having potluck dinners and were taking children on outings, some poorly supervised. It was unclear if these activities were covered by the church's liability insurance.
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Around this time of year, we all have to face the fact that it's time again to prepare our income tax returns. If you're like me, you'll look for every possible deduction that may be available. When we contributed to our churches last year, we may have been laying up treasures in heaven. For those of us who itemize, our giving has the additional benefit of giving us an additional tax write-off. Or has it?
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Okay, I admit it. If you call me up to tell me about this great idea you have, I don't do backflips. I don't tell you it's wonderful. In fact, what I immediately start to think about are all of the problems -- all the things that could go wrong with your "great idea." Am I being negative? Am I trying to discourage you? No. I am being a lawyer.
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