One of the persons considered most knowledgeable on legal matters for churches and ministers is Richard R. Hammar. An attorney and CPA, Hammar not only serves as general counsel for the Assemblies of God, he also authored the respected reference book Pastor, Church, & Law, writes the bimonthly Church Law & Tax Report, and speaks frequently on church legal issues. What are the most significant legal developments for churches? Hammar reviews some recent cases.

Law is more a turbulent stream than a quiet pool. And those who don't foresee where legal currents are flowing may fail to gain its benefits or-worse-find themselves awash in legal trouble.

Where once most pastors and churches remained reasonably unaffected by legislatures and courts, today that is no longer the case. The law has found the church, and the meeting hasn't always been amicable.

Here are several important developments to keep in mind.

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