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Author: Daniel Dalton

Church Property Disputes/Denominational Splits

Is joining a denomination right for your local church?

When a local church is considering joining a denomination, there are numerous factors to weigh carefully to ensure a good fit and a fruitful partnership. This decision should not be taken lightly, as it can significantly impact the church’s mission, ministry, and identity. Here are some key considerations for local churches contemplating denominational affiliation:

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Church Property Disputes/Denominational Splits

The governance structure of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

The Presbyterian Church (USA), or PCUSA, operates under a system of governance known as Presbyterian polity. This system emphasizes a representative form of leadership and decision-making based on a historic structure of governing bodies. It’s designed to foster shared responsibility, accountability, and collaboration among members and leaders. This blog will delve into the key aspects of PCUSA polity, exploring its structure, functions, and guiding principles.

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Church Mergers

Amending Endowments: Sacred Trusts, Changing Times – A Call for Thoughtful Amendment

Endowments stand as pillars of financial strength within some United Methodist and Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) churches. They provide resources that support ministries, outreach, and the upkeep of our sacred spaces. But as doctrine and discipline change, and as our world faces new challenges, a question arises: Should our church endowments be amended? And if so, how can we do this responsibly and in line with our faith?

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Equal Terms

Seeking Justice: Relief Available in RLUIPA Land Use Claims

The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) provides vital protections for religious institutions facing discriminatory or unduly burdensome land use regulations. But what happens if a religious institution believes its RLUIPA rights have been violated? What kind of relief can they seek? In this blog post, we’ll explore the various remedies available to those who successfully bring a RLUIPA land use claim.

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Nonprofits

RLUIPA: The quiet Religious Freedom law that is reshaping land use and zoning in America

The Atlantic Magazine profiled the case of North Jersey Vineyard v. City of South Hackensack, New Jersey,  a case that I litigated where the Court applied the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), to an land use decision of a local community that barred a church from using a building it purchased in an area zoned for religious use, that ultimately resulted in a difficult years long lawsuit.

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RLUIPA

Protecting Religious Freedom in Land Use: Understanding the Non-Discrimination Provision of RLUIPA

This provision of RLUIPA, often referred to as the “non-discrimination provision,” serves as a shield against unfair treatment of religious organizations in the context of land use. It prohibits governments at all levels—federal, state, and local—from enacting or enforcing regulations that single out religious assemblies or institutions based on their faith or denominatio

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Equal Terms

Navigating the Maze: The Equal Terms Provision of RLUIPA in Land Use

The right to freely exercise one’s religion is a cornerstone of American society. However, navigating the complexities of land use regulations can sometimes create hurdles for religious institutions seeking to establish or expand their presence. The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) aims to address this by ensuring a level playing field. Here, we delve into the act’s Equal Terms Provision and its application in land-use matters.

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RLUIPA

Navigating Faith and Zoning: Understanding “Substantial Burden” under RLUIPA

The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) protects the right of religious organizations to practice their faith without undue government interference. A key concept within RLUIPA is the idea of a “substantial burden” on religious exercise. This blog post unpacks what this term means and how it impacts religious institutions and land-use regulations.

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