Legal

Welcome to the Legal resource page. This resource page provides you a visual way to explore and download the many types of resources we have available. You may also use our powerful search engine to find other resources not listed here. 

Legal Disclaimer
Information on this website does not constitute legal advice to anyone. In addition, the use of this website, and the sending or receipt of information through elca.org does not create attorney-client relationship of any sort. Visitors to elca.org should be aware that communication in this manner may not be considered as privileged or confidential. Individuals requiring legal assistance should engage a qualified attorney, licensed to practice law in the particular state or jurisdiction where the legal issues have arisen. Members of the ELCA, pastors, congregations, synods, and others affiliated with this church should always consult their own attorneys, accountants, or similar professionals whenever legal issues or problems arise. Neither the Churchwide organization nor the general counsel is responsible for any loss, injury, liability, or damage related to your use of this document, whether from errors or omissions in the content of this document or any linked sites, from the site being down, or from any other use.

 



Below are a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.

Background Check Questions

Things to consider if you plan on doing a background check on a potential employee.

Background Check Questions

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Employment Application

Employment Application

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Employment Laws Affecting Congregations

Employment Laws Affecting Congregations

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Employment Posters on Rights and Obligations

Certain federal laws require that places of employment display posters explaining employee and employer rights and obligations.

Employment Posters on Rights and Obligations

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Handling Terminations

Handling Terminations

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Independent Contractor vs Employee

Independent Contractor vs Employee

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Information on Hiring Employees

Information on Hiring Employees

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Preventing Workplace Discrimination

Preventing Workplace Discrimination

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Reference Check Form

A sample reference request form for volunteers and employees who will work with children.

Reference Check Form

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Security Procedures in the Workplace

Security Procedures in the Workplace

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Volunteer Application Form

A sample volunteer application for volunteers who will be working with children and youth.

Volunteer Application Form

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Financial Best Practices for Congregations

Financial Best Practices for Congregations

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Accepting Restricted Gifts

Treasurers, financial secretaries and stewardship committees can provide valuable assistance when congregations consider soliciting or accepting funds in support of specific projects or programs.

Accepting Restricted Gifts

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Business Ethics Information

Business Ethics Information

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Confidentiality Information

Confidentiality Information

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Financial Records Management

As you set about preserving information for future reference, plan for the entire life cycle of the records you are creating.

Financial Records Management

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Fraud Issues

Ways to protect congregations from fraud.

Fraud Issues

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Good Samaritan Fund and Helping Hands Fund

Many congregations seek to provide funds to help needy persons in the congregation or community. Adopting a Helping Hands/Good Samaritan Policy may be the best approach when deciding how to provide assistance.

Good Samaritan Fund and Helping Hands Fund

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Issues Related to Cellular Towers

Issues Related to Cellular Towers

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Legal Separate Incorporation

Organizations that share the same building as a congregation may consider separate incorporation and this document explains the issues involved.

Legal Separate Incorporation

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Sample Congregation Ethics Policy

A sample business ethics policy for congregations.

Sample Congregation Ethics Policy

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Sample Congregation Ethics Policy

A sample business ethics policy for congregations.

Sample Congregation Ethics Policy

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Sample Synod Ethics Policy

A sample business ethics policy for synods.

Sample Synod Ethics Policy

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Sample Synod Ethics Policy

A sample business ethics policy for synods.

Sample Synod Ethics Policy

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Amending Constitutions

Amending Constitutions

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Computers and Internet

A sample computer and internet policy for congregations.

Computers and Internet

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Copyright Issues

Information about the use of copyrighted material in congregations.

Copyright Issues

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Copyright Issues

An article from The Lutheran Magazine about copyright laws and the church.

Copyright Issues

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Legal Checklist for Congregations

Legal Checklist for Congregations

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Steps for Mergers and Consolidation for Congregations

Steps for Mergers and Consolidation for Congregations

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Parliamentary Procedure

A chart was prepared to explain how motions work so a congregation or synod meeting will be properly run.

Parliamentary Procedure

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Synod Business Ethics

An explaination about business ethics in a synodical setting.

Synod Business Ethics

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Vehicles Use

Problems that can occur when transporting a group of people, and how you can help avoid them.

Vehicles Use

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Below are a list of resources you can download or purchase. For more information about a specific resource, just hover over the icon.

Building Use Agreement

A sample policy for congregations on the use of church property by other individuals and organizations.

Building Use Agreement

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Building Use Agreement

A sample policy for congregations on the use of church property by other individuals and organizations.

Building Use Agreement

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Buildings and Property Information

Buildings and Property Information

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Sample Cellular Tower Lease

A sample cellular tower lease agreement for congregations.

Sample Cellular Tower Lease

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Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy Plan Voting Information

Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy Plan Voting Information

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Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy Informational Document

This document is for general information purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to, constitute legal advice.

Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy Informational Document

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Boy Scouts of America Info for Congregations

This document is for general information purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to, constitute legal advice.

Boy Scouts of America Info for Congregations

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Clergy Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Resources

Clergy Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Resources

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Congregations Healing After Clergy Sexual Abuse

Congregations Healing After Clergy Sexual Abuse

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Guidance for Recording and Live Streaming

Guidance for Recording and Live Streaming

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Responding to Sexual Abuse in the Church

Responding to Sexual Abuse in the Church

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Preventing Sexual Misconduct in Congregations

Preventing Sexual Misconduct in Congregations

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Reporting Abuse

Reporting Abuse

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Responding to Sex Offender in a Congregation

Responding to Sex Offender in a Congregation

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Preventing Clergy Sexual Abuse Not in My Pew Article

Preventing Clergy Sexual Abuse Not in My Pew Article

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Sample Misconduct Preventions Policy

A sample sexual misconduct policy for congregations.

Sample Misconduct Preventions Policy

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Employment Identification Number and Tax Identification Number

Employment Identification Number and Tax Identification Number

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Group Exemption Authorization Form for Congregations

Group Exemption Authorization Form for Congregations

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Group Exemption Authorization Form for Affiliated Organizations

Group Exemption Authorization Form for Affiliated Organizations

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Group Exemption Authorization Form for Congregation Related Organizations

Group Exemption Authorization Form for Congregation Related Organizations

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Group Exemption Authorization Form for Synod Related Organizations

Group Exemption Authorization Form for Synod Related Organizations

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Group Exemption Authorization Form for CUDs and SAWCs

Group Exemption Authorization Form for CUDs and SAWCs

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Group Exemption Authorization Form for Parishes

Group Exemption Authorization Form for Parishes

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Endorsing Third Party Products

Endorsing Third Party Products

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Parking Tax Explanation

Most (But Not All) Churches Can Avoid New Non-Profit Employee Parking Tax.

Parking Tax Explanation

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Political Activity and Tax Status

Political Activity and Tax Status

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Tax Information for Congregations

Tax Information for Congregations

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Tax Information for Donors and Clergy

Tax Information for Donors and Clergy

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Tax Status

Answers to questions about tax status and exemptions for congregations.

Tax Status

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Taxation on Rental Property

Taxation on Rental Property

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