Indiana statute protects worshipping communities from claims based on personal injuries sustained on their properties “used primarily for worship services.” The only duty owed to injured persons is to warn of hidden dangers of which it has actual knowledge and not to intentionally harm the person. So if someone gets hurt in a worship space, the religious organization very likely will have a quick exit from any lawsuit brought as a result. But what if the injury occurs elsewhere on property that also has a church building, like next to the parking lot? Is that still part of property used primarily for worship? The Indiana Supreme Court just unanimously answered “Yes.”
When a religious organization holds large annual meetings, the method of approving the minutes can vary depending on the organization’s governing documents. But where those documents don’t address the question, the answer can be a little difficult to find. The best answer is to delegate the authority to adopt minutes to a committee to avoid a long interim without an adopted record of actions taken. The next annual meeting can revise if necessary. Continue reading “Who should adopt minutes for an annual members’ meeting?”