Religious Organizations Law
We believe a balance can be achieved between matters of faith and matters of law.
>> Faith and Law Seminar event
Faith-based or religious organizations and houses of worship will encounter many of the same legal issues that confront businesses, but will do so in the unique context of their mission and established traditions. As religious organizations grow and change, so will their legal needs.
Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore has been delivering innovative and thoughtful legal solutions since 1923 to a wide spectrum of clients, including those in the faith-based community. Our attorneys have a breadth of knowledge that directly relates to the "life cycle milestones" experienced by churches, synagogues, mosques, congregations, and faith-based organizations such as religious schools and institutions, faith-based senior living facilities, religious media entities, and non-profit religious service agencies. Gentry Locke attorneys will help manage the stress points that can exist between longstanding religious traditions and fluctuating laws and ordinances.
Headed by Group Chair Matthew Broughton, attorneys within Gentry Locke's Religious Organization law group offer a broad skill-set to meet the unique challenges faced by non-profit religious organizations. Every step of the way, you will have a voice in the process and will feel genuinely valued. The services we can assist you with include the following:
- Formation, structuring and governance of the religious organization; management issues related to your Board members and officers' liability
- Management of risk factors and insurance coverage to include professional liability, premises liability, and charitable immunity for the actions of staff and volunteers
- Expansion needs such as construction, real estate, land use and zoning; and appearances before municipal boards and governmental agencies
- Contracts and copyright issues
- Financial, estate and tax issues related to compensation, donations, and fundraising, including religious exemptions and tax audits
- Employment issues regarding compensation, immigration, and employee policies (including volunteers, independent contractors, background checks, and governmental compliance)
- Crisis management, should the need arise
We are experienced in handling significant litigation brought against faith-based organizations. We stand ready to represent and advise religious institutions and organizations whose mission involves serving some of the most challenged within our society.
Whether your interest is in avoiding problems through proactive implementation of policies, or you are faced with an immediate threat to your ministry's reputation, Gentry Locke can assist and advise you in ways that will allow your religious non-profit organization to anticipate legal threats, thrive, and further the faith mission you've identified to benefit the community and fellowship you serve.