“Federal judge dismisses lawsuit claiming disabled son baptized against their wishes”

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit claiming disabled son baptized against their wishes.” The News-Herald reports here on DeFibaugh v. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio Board of Trustees, No. 1:17-CV-645 (N.D. Ohio Oct. 16, 2017). The boys’ parents were represented by the American Atheists Legal Center.

Ind. Ct. App.: Ind. Code doesn’t prohibit sex offenders from attending church

Ind. Ct. App.: Ind. Code doesn’t prohibit sex offenders from attending church. The Indiana Lawyer reports here on Doe v. Boone County Prosecutor, No. 06A01-1612-PL-2741 (Ind. Ct. App. Oct. 24, 2017). The decision interprets a statute that prohibits sex offenders from entering a building that is “school property,” defined as any “nonprofit program or service operated to … benefit children who are at least three years of age and not yet enrolled in kindergarten.” The court decided this did not include churches. The court also mentioned that the state would not prevail under RFRA claims, though it did not analyze those claims.

1743 Gifts received after dissolution

[podcast src=”https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5869733/height/90/width/450/theme/custom/autonext/no/thumbnail/yes/autoplay/no/preload/no/no_addthis/no/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/c30000/” height=”90″ width=”450″ placement=”top”]What happens when someone gives a gift to a religious organization that no longer exists? Leaders should consider several things before dissolving an organization to make the answer more certain. First, ensure the organization uses clear language that is also consistent with applicable statutes. Second, determine whether any denominational entity has already been designated as a corporate successor. Third, if there is no denominational entity, consider designating a corporate successor. Fourth, communicate with all community members and supporters and invite those who include the organization in their estate planning to inform the leaders. Finally, when communicating with planned donors, make sure to communicate whether there is a designated corporate successor, so they can include a contingency plan in their estate documents if they wish.

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