Legal Assist /

Brotherhood Mutual’s newest resource is here to help ministries understand rapidly developing challenges that could affect their organizations. The team from Legal Assist^SM is monitoring cases to provide ministries with timely updates and actionable insights from an insurance and risk management perspective. From Supreme Court rulings to emerging state laws, the goal is to inform and empower ministries to adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex legal environment.

Read the Latest Case Reviews Volume 2: July 2025 — Find out how religious liberty was affirmed by the Supreme Court of the United States. Explore why your church might owe tithes back. And then dive into four critical judicial updates that could affect your ministry. Download Volume 2 - July 2025  |  Download Volume 1 - May 2025

U.S. Supreme Court Cases
Case #1: Who gets to decide if your ministry is religious enough? (original review, May 2025) Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission: In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major win for faith-based organizations, ruling that the government cannot decide what makes a ministry “religious enough” to qualify for legal protections. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Case #2: How would gender-transition treatment bans shape your ministry’s policies? (original review, May 2025) United States v. Skrmetti: Another significant decision saw the U.S. Supreme Court uphold Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which bans gender-transition treatments for minors, meaning the law will remain in full effect and setting a critical precedent for similar legislation across the nation. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read

Federal Cases/Policy Changes
Case #3: Could ministries be sued for apparently “non-religious” job decisions? Markel v. Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, et al.: Can religious organizations lose First Amendment protection if their employment decisions appear unrelated to religion? In a major decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled no—and reaffirmed a powerful legal shield for ministries. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Case #4: Could a ministry be forced to refund a tithe? Huntsman v. Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Could a judge decide whether your financial practices align with your public promises? This case is forcing ministries to confront a sobering reality: transparency isn’t just a virtue—it may now be a legal necessity. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Case #5: Can the government force ministries to speak against their beliefs about gender? Can the state compel speech that contradicts a ministry’s religious convictions? A new Colorado law may do just that—requiring ministries and nonprofits to use individuals’ chosen names and preferred pronouns in public-facing services or risk steep civil penalties. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read

State Cases
Case #6: How far does liability extend when ministry volunteers take a spill? If a volunteer gets injured outside the sanctuary, are you legally protected? A recent Indiana Supreme Court ruling says yes…at least in Indiana. However, the implications of this case could reach far beyond state lines. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Case #7: How could a megachurch’s bylaws debate reshape governance for ministries everywhere? A major legal dispute involving one of Houston’s largest churches raises big questions about how churches are run—and what happens when members disagree with leadership decisions. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read

Featured Cases from Past Editions

• How would your ministry prepare for an immigration raid?
  Federal Policy Change
• What is the impact of counseling restrictions on faith-based guidance in ministries?
  Chiles v. Salazar | Ruling Anticipated 2026
• How could ministries be required to fund employee reproductive health options?
  Cedar Park Assembly of God v. Kreidler | Rehearing Requested
• How would your ministry be required to hire employees with conflicting values?
  CompassCare v. Hochul | Ongoing 2025
• How would an abuse claim from 50 years ago impact your ministry financially?
  Roman Catholic Archbishop of Washington v. John Doe, et al. | Law Amended June 2025

Brotherhood Mutual is pleased to provide Legal Assist as a complimentary resource. Services through Legal Assist aim to provide general risk management guidance to our current and prospective policyholders.

While the information provided in this resource is intended to be helpful, it does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney in your area. Please note that no attorney/client relationship is established through this process, and no legal advice will be provided. We strongly recommend regular consultations with a licensed local attorney as part of your risk management program.