An excerpt from an American Family Association book reads,

In the culture, in the courts, even in casual
conversation, it is increasingly obvious that
we have lost sight of over 200 years of social
and legal tradition that has secured our
fundamental freedoms – namely, freedom of
speech and religion.

A new concept – that “sexual liberty” trumps
religious freedom – has begun to impact
churches, ministries, and individual Christians
across this nation.

As a leader in a Christian church, you are no doubt concerned.

First, there’s good news. The Church lawfully has a right to express its sincerely held beliefs. Namely, biblical views of Marriage and Sexuality.
But, that doesn’t prevent lawsuits. Therefore, it’s best to make sure your church is as prepared as it can be in the event of one.

 

Five Steps to Protect Your Church:

 

1. Write or update your Statement of Faith to include marriage, gender and sexual orientation with scripture references. Make sure you adhere to your Statement of Faith unwaveringly.

2. Incorporate your Statement of Faith into your Governing Documents – your Bylaws. Make sure your Bylaws are consistently followed. (If your bylaws are outdated, you must get them updated).

3. Incorporate your Statement of Faith into your Policies and Procedures.

a.The statement about marriage should be included in your Wedding policy. Weddings should be limited to church members only.

b. The full Statement of Faith should be referenced in your Employee and Volunteer application process.

c. Incorporate the Statement of Faith into Employee and Volunteer Handbooks. It’s best to include a statement that they sign annually signifying they agree with and will abide by the Statement of Faith.

d.Incorporate your Statement of Faith into your Facility Use Policy and Procedure. The key here is to limit use to ministries of the church and members. If you open your facilities for use (free or not) to Government and Other Non-Religious entities of any kind on a regular basis, you may be exposing the church to the Public Accommodations statutes just like a business.

4. If your church leases any portion of its facilities to others, have a written lease agreement that incorporates the Statement of Faith. For churches that rent facilities from others to hold services, make sure you haven’t unknowingly agreed to comply with the Public Accommodations Act. Review all the fine print.

5. Obtain Religious Expression liability coverage in case of a lawsuit.

 

Here’s the link to the book I referenced above.

In closing – pray, seek counsel , consult an attorney and get the documents, procedures and insurance in place.