Law & Ministry Update
The latest news about emerging legislative and judicial developments affecting Christian ministries. Scroll down for Volume 3 case reviews and Episode 2 of the podcast.
May 2025
Inaugural Issue
July 2025
First Podcast
Brotherhood Mutual’s newest resource is here to help ministries understand rapidly developing challenges that could affect their organizations. The team from Legal AssistSM is monitoring cases to provide ministries with timely updates and actionable insights from an insurance and risk management perspective. From Supreme Court rulings to emerging state laws, the goal is to inform and empower ministries to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex legal environment.
In episode 2, our in-house attorneys, Charles Hedman and Joshua Lederman, discuss updates to statutes of limitations and how they could affect ministries. Plus, get insight into ways to safeguard the children and youth in your care.
Read the Latest Case Reviews
Find out how a recent court decision could have far-reaching and costly implications for ministries. Plus, discover recent cases that affirm religious liberty and how ministries can strengthen their protections.
Download Vol. 3 - October 2025 or click the case reviews below.
State Case
V3 Case #1: Could a decades-old abuse claim strike your ministry?
Doe 254 v. Diocese of Winona: A Minnesota jury just handed down a multi-million-dollar verdict for abuse that happened over 50 years ago. For churches and ministries, this is an important reminder to maintain historical records and to stay vigilant with policies and procedures to help safeguard the children and youth in your care.
Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Federal Cases & Policy Change
V3 Case #2: When it comes to hiring decisions, who counts as a minister?
McMahon v. World Vision, Inc.: In a closely watched case, the Ninth Circuit court upheld a ministry’s right to withdraw a job offer from an applicant in a same-sex marriage. This ruling signals a potential broadening of the ministerial exception.
Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
V3 Federal Policy Change: Do new federal anti-discrimination rules put ministries at risk?
A new Department of Justice memo could have major implications for ministries receiving federal funds.
Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
V3 Case #3: Can state licensing requirements threaten a ministry’s religious mission?
Camp IdRaHaJe Association v. Roy: This case highlights a growing tension: What happens when government regulations collide with deeply held religious convictions?
Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
V3 Case #4: Confessional privilege upheld, even in abuse reporting situations.
Etienne v. Ferguson: This case considers the complicated questions that arise when clerical discretion collides with abuse reporting commitments.
Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
State Case
V3 Case #5: A $35 million verdict narrowly avoided: Know your abuse reporting obligations.
Nunez v. Watchtower Bible & Tract Soc’y of N.Y., Inc.: A recent Montana Supreme Court decision addressed a dispute in reporting duties, highlighting the importance of proper abuse reporting protocols within the ministry setting.
Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Additional Content
Past Podcasts
Podcast Episode 1 - July 2025 | Watch Now
In-house attorneys, Steve Case and Charles Hedman, discussed the June 2025 U.S. Supreme Court decisions on being “religious enough” and on transgender treatment bans. Plus, they shared insight on how to prepare for a visit from ICE. The Supreme Court cases reviewed were part of Law & Ministry Update (Vol 2 - July 2025).
Case Reviews from Past Editions
From Volume 2 - July 2025 | Download PDF
Who gets to decide if your ministry is religious enough? | Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission | Decision delivered June 2025
How would gender-transition treatment bans shape your ministry’s policies? | United States v. Skrmetti | Decision delivered June 2025
Could ministries be sued for apparently “non-religious” job decisions? | Markel v. Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, et al. | Case dismissed 2024
Could a ministry be forced to refund a tithe? | Huntsman v. Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. | Case dismissed 2025
Can the government force ministries to speak against their beliefs about gender? | Defending Education, et al. v. Sullivan, et al. | Ongoing 2025
How far does liability extend when ministry volunteers take a spill? | Calvary Temple Church of Evansville, Inc. v. Kirsch | Final ruling February 2025
How could a megachurch’s bylaws debate reshape governance for ministries everywhere? | Jeremiah Counsel Corporation v. Young, et al. | Hearings expected late 2025
From Volume 1 - May 2025 | Download PDF
How would your ministry prepare for an immigration raid? | Federal Policy Change
What is the impact of counseling restrictions on faith-based guidance in ministries? | Chiles v. Salazar | Ruling Anticipated 2026
How could ministries be required to fund employee reproductive health options? | Cedar Park Assembly of God v. Kreidler | Rehearing Requested
How would your ministry be required to hire employees with conflicting values? | CompassCare v. Hochul | Ongoing 2025
How would an abuse claim from 50 years ago impact your ministry financially? | Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington v. John Doe, et al. | Law Amended June 2025
Brotherhood Mutual is pleased to provide Legal AssistSM as a complimentary resource. Services through Legal Assist aim to provide general legal information to our current and prospective policyholders.
Information provided is intended to be helpful. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your area. No attorney/client relationship is established through this process. No legal advice will be provided. We strongly recommend regular consultations with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.