Category Archives: Church Law
Legal Alert: Lawsuit Filed Challenging the Virginia Values Act
Simms Showers attorneys H. Robert Showers and William R. Thetford as local counsel, allied with the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), filed a suit challenging the controversial Virginia Values Act in Virginia courts last week. As we wrote previously, Virginia law underwent an unprecedented shift during this year’s legislative session. One of the key changes… Read More »
New Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law in Virginia: Ramifications for Religious Employers and Others
New Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law in Virginia: Ramifications for Religious Employers and Others By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Last Updated: August 25, 2020 The legislative session of 2020 has radically transformed the legal climate of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This article analyzes the controversial Virginia Values Act… Read More »
Liability Looms Large for Religious Organizations after Supreme Court’s Expansive Interpretation of “Sex”
Liability Looms Large for Religious Organizations after Supreme Court’s Expansive Interpretation of “Sex” By H. Robert Showers, Esq. and Kyle D. Winey, Esq. Last Updated: July 13, 2020 As the culture wars reach a fever pitch, the U.S. Supreme Court analyzed, in the recent decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, whether an employee may… Read More »
How to Investigate a Sexual Harassment Allegation
How to Investigate a Sexual Harassment Allegation Seven steps to take when an allegation arises—and when outside help may prove wisest. By William R. Thetford Jr. Esq. and H. Robert Showers Esq. Every church should have a carefully crafted and legally sound policy to address sexual harassment. Such a policy can help guide and protect… Read More »
Seven Steps for Creating an Effective Sexual Harassment Policy
Seven Steps for Creating an Effective Sexual Harassment Policy By William R. Thetford Jr. Esq. and H. Robert Showers Esq. Updated July 1, 2020 A carefully crafted policy not only can provide protection for all involved, but also can serve as a deterrent. The #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements have captured headlines and national attention in recent… Read More »
Conducting Youth/Children Ministry in a Digital Age
Conducting Youth/Children Ministry in a Digital Age By Robert Showers, Esq. and Justin R. Coleman, Esq. Updated June 23, 2020 With the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders being issued by various states and local municipalities, churches have had to look to new ways to minister the gospel to its members and attendees. With… Read More »
Conducting Youth/Children Ministry in a Digital Age
By Robert Showers, Esq. and Justin R. Coleman, Esq. With the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting stay at home executive orders being issued by various states, churches have had to look to new ways to minister the Gospel to its members and attendees. With online streaming and digital video conferencing, churches are able to connect… Read More »
Important Developments Implementing the CARES ACT and FFCRA: How the PPP, EIDL, and Tax Credits Are Impacting Businesses, Churches, and Nonprofits
By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Last Updated: April 29, 2020. Note: This is the subject of a rapidly evolving landscape. Please stay tuned for updates as they become available. This article updates our series of articles on the CARES Act concerning the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and… Read More »
ONLINE MEETINGS FOR CHURCHES AND NONPROFITS FAQs
By Robert Showers, Esq. and William Thetford, Esq. Consider the following common scenarios for churches and nonprofits in this online stay at home world: 1) A member organization (church or nonprofit with members) requires a membership meeting by a certain date each year to pass the annual budget and elect new leaders. The… Read More »
New Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law in Virginia: Ramifications for Religious Employers and Others
By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Easter weekend marked the passage of the controversial Virginia Values Act (Senate Bill 868 and House Bill 1663: the “Act”) which is ironically named for political reasons. The Virginia House and the Senate recently passed the Act and on Saturday, April 11, Governor… Read More »