Church Liability Cases Highlighting Legal Challenges for Faith-Based Organizations

The below cases demonstrate the various ways in which churches can be held liable for negligence, premises liability, and failure to provide adequate security. They also emphasize the importance of implementing comprehensive risk management practices and adhering to the OSHA General Duty Clause to ensure the safety of congregants and visitors. In an increasingly complex world, faith-based organizations must recognize the foreseeability of …

Deliberate Indifference:  Does it apply to me? Or to my organization?

I often get questions from organizations who prefer to not have a policy or procedure because they won’t get in trouble for violating a plan if it doesn’t exist.  Avoiding deliberate indifference starts with good policy. When writing policies and procedures, organizational leaders should anticipate potential risks and dangerous situations in their industry.  By clearly outlining expectations and practices, well-maintained …

Photo of beautiful stained glass windows in a church

What responsibility does a church have to prevent a shooting or attack?

Following a violent incident, a church may face lawsuits from victims or their families. These lawsuits often stem from the financial burdens associated with the loss of loved ones and the healthcare expenses of the victims. Legal action may be necessary to recover compensation through the church’s insurance policies or may be perceived as the only viable means of seeking …

Emergency Response Plan - House of Worship

Emergency Response Plan, Procedures and Guidelines

I often get questions from organizations who prefer to disregard inherent risks and lessen expectations simply to avoid the work and commitment that is required to have a prepared team and safe environment.  Should we consider a best practice model or an unvetted Beginner or Novice level “copy and paste plan” from another organization?  The follow up questions I often …

Violent incidents against Faith-Based Organizations are on the Rise

Statistics on violent incidents and threats against faith-based organizations in the United States: These statistics highlight the ongoing challenges faced by faith-based organizations in ensuring the safety and security of their members.  Violent incidents and threats against faith-based organizations in the United States have unfortunately been a recurring issue across various religious groups, including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Below are some notable …

9th Circuit Upholds California Gun Bans in Some ‘Sensitive’ Places

9th Circuit Upholds California Gun Bans in Some ‘Sensitive’ Places

9th Circuit upholds California gun bans in some ‘sensitive’ places, but the state cannot enforce similar restrictions on Places of Worship and Faith-Based Organizations California Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) has faced significant legal challenges and developments. As a reminder this bill was “stayed” on January 6, 2024, and put on HOLD until further proceedings.  The recent ruling by the …

The Value of an Emergency Response Plan for your Church

The term ‘first responder’ brings several images to mind: police officers, firemen, paramedics and other trained professionals. What most people don’t include in their imagery of a first responder is their coworker, their boss, their spouse, or the person worshipping next to them. Reality proves time and again that when a crisis of any type occurs, the true first responders …