Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Housing Allowance Struck Down Again
Dear Clients and Friends, On October 6th a federal judge in Wisconsin has struck down as unconstitutional the Housing Allowance. Expect an appeal. If the Court of Appeals accepts the case it could rule on the actual underlying issue of whether the clergy housing exclusion is constitutional. Then off to the Supreme Court. I… Read More »
Six Tips After a Hurricane
1. First off, know your rights. After a hurricane, you may have issues with your church and property ranging from determining who is responsible for cleaning up to knowing when to keep making rent or mortgage payments. Because state laws and individual insurance policies vary, check with your insurance company or local authorities to know… Read More »
New Ad Announcement
I am excited to announce a new ad has gone out.
Certified Church Business Administrator
I am excited to announce on July 6, 2017 The Church Network renewed my credentials as a Certified Church Administrator. Continuing with these credentials and educational requirements allows me to be current in church business administration trends which in turn helps me serve you.
Church is Sued for Publication of Baptism Leading to Kidnapping
The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently decided a church court case. In John Doe v. First Presbyterian Church U.S.A. of Tulsa, Oklahoma and James D. Miller (Okla. Feb. 22, 2017), a nonmember filed suit against the church and its minister, alleging torts and breach of contract after he was baptized and notice of his baptism… Read More »
EEOC Expanding Title VII protections to Gender Identity
Without legislation from Congress the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has decided on its own to interpret protections against “sex” discriminations to include Gender Identification. It has recently restated its position publicly which is a concern. Does this mean stronger enforcement is around the corner? The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that… Read More »
EEOC expanding Title VII protections to Gender Identity
Without legislation from Congress the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has decided on its own to interpret protections against “sex” discriminations to include Gender Identification. It has recently restated its position publicly which is a concern. Does this mean stronger enforcement is around the corner? The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that… Read More »
Minnesota Supreme Court Ruling on Church Defamation Suit
A divided Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday settled the question of whether the state’s courts have any business settling claims of defamation made by church officials while excommunicating parishioners. In this case, the Court was presented with the question of whether pastors and their church can be held liable for statements the pastors made… Read More »
Governor Scott signs so called Pastor Protective Act
A rather controversial bill that protects clergy who refuse to perform gay marriages is now law in Florida. This so-called “Pastor Protection Act” was one of more than two dozen bills Gov. Rick Scott signed into law on Thursday. The state law protects clergy, churches and religious organizations and their employees from civil action for refusing… Read More »
Florida Legislative Alert on Sexual Orientation SB 120
I am attaching a Florida Senate Bill which addresses sexual orientation. It creates the “Florida Competitive Workforce Act”; revising provisions to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression and the perception of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, handicap, or marital status as impermissible grounds for discrimination;… Read More »
