Category Archives: Church Law
Virtual Currency Gifts: Should Churches and Nonprofits Accept Bitcoin?
Virtual Currency Gifts: Should Churches and Nonprofits Accept Bitcoin? By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Updated July 14, 2021 Preface Excitement rides high on the cryptocurrency wave these days. Even on the wave, though, one must be wary of the height. For churches and nonprofits, that height might be too… Read More »
Amidst Anticipated Relief, Big Questions Remain for COVID Vaccines, Masking Requirements, and Risk Management
Amidst Anticipated Relief, Big Questions Remain for COVID Vaccines, Masking Requirements, and Risk Management By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. May 28, 2021 The day many Americans began dreaming of in March 2020 is arriving as states end executive orders limiting gatherings, masks (at least for those who are vaccinated),… Read More »
What You Need to Know About H.R. 5 (“The Equality Act”)
What You Need to Know About H.R. 5 (“The Equality Act”) By H. Robert Showers, Esq. and William R. Thetford, Esq. April 27, 2021 In the wake of the new administration, Congress has taken up H.R. 5, entitled the Equality Act by its supporters. Evangelical Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Jewish groups, as well as… Read More »
PPP 2.0: What your Organization Needs to Know About the Second Draw of the PPP
PPP 2.0: What your Organization Needs to Know About the Second Draw of the PPP By H. Robert Showers, Esq. and William R. Thetford, Esq. January 19, 2020 While many organizations await final forgiveness of their initial Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Congress recently approved an expansion of the PPP, the Consolidated Appropriations Act… Read More »
PPP Recipient Information Released by the SBA: What you Need to Know about What People Know About Your PPP Loan
PPP Recipient Information Released by the SBA: What you Need to Know About What People Know About Your PPP Loan By H. Robert Showers, Esq. and William R. Thetford, Esq. Last Updated: December 14, 2020 Back in July, the United States Small Business Administration (the SBA) released some information on the recipients of its… Read More »
Legal Alert: Governors Amended Executive Orders Affect Churches, Businesses, and Individuals
Legal Alert: Governors Amended Executive Orders Affect Churches, Businesses, and Individuals By William R. Thetford, Esq. and H. Robert Showers, Esq. Last Updated: November 20, 2020 The unprecedented series of health concerns, outbreaks, closures, restrictions, and lockdowns this year has been a recurring frustration for individuals, businesses, and churches. With the cooler weather, many… Read More »
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 »