Lack of jurisdiction leads to Tax Court dismissal
A jurisdictional barrier has led the Indiana Tax Court to dismiss a case brought by a religious nonprofit.
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SCOTUS appears divided in Catholic schools employment case
The US Supreme Court on Monday seemed divided over how broadly religious institutions including schools, hospitals and social service centers should be shielded from job discrimination lawsuits by employees.
Jackson County Courthouse Nativity scene violates First Amendment, judge rules
A Nativity scene displayed on the lawn of the Jackson County Courthouse violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, a federal judge has ruled, entering an injunction prohibiting the county’s as-is display of the Christian Christmas scene.
Court questions archdiocese’s authority to terminate gay teacher
Marion Superior Court has denied a motion filed by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a gay former Cathedral High School teacher, finding the archdiocese may not be the “highest ecclesiastical authority.”
Holcomb to ease stay-at-home restrictions starting Monday
Pursuant to a new executive order released Friday that goes into effect Monday and lasts through May 23, Indiana retailers — including malls — will be allowed to open at 50% capacity; manufacturers not currently operating will be permitted to do so; offices can have employees return but are encouraged to continue remote work when possible; public libraries can open; and the essential travel restrictions will be lifted.
Restricted assembly: As churches move online, 1A experts say gathering bans likely constitutional
As leaders across the country continue to call for social distancing and implement restrictions on large gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, some citizens have balked at the idea of interrupting their normal religious activities. But as long as restrictions on churches are non-discriminatory, experts say the restrictions are likely constitutional.
DTCI: Finding positives: Togetherness in social distancing
Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana member Megan Culp reflects on the positive things I’ve experienced during the COVID-19 crisis to give others a small distraction from the negatives.
Man charged in 2019 homicide of woman in Indianapolis church
A 57-year-old man has been charged in the death of a woman who was found strangled and stabbed last year inside an Indianapolis church, authorities said.
Reversal: Ministry’s re-entry program excepted from landlord-tenant statutes
A South Bend ministry that provides transitional housing and job training for people re-entering society after incarceration won an appeal against a man who was awarded damages after claiming he was wrongly barred from the property and forced to come up with money to stay at a hotel.
Senator tries again to ban Indiana vouchers over gay firings
A proposal aimed at banning private schools that discriminate against gay employees and students from receiving Indiana voucher program money is being backed by the state’s Republican school superintendent.
Appeal set on challenge to Indiana religious objections law
Conservative religious groups are planning to appeal an Indiana judge’s ruling that canceled a trial challenging limits on the state’s religious objections law that were signed by then-Gov. Mike Pence.
‘Ministerial exception’ discovery motion fails in lawsuit against Indianapolis Archdiocese
A motion in a lawsuit against the Indianapolis Archdiocese to limit discovery to the question of whether a fired gay counselor falls under the First Amendment’s “ministerial exception” has been defeated in “close call” in Indiana federal court.
Well-known Catholic educator charged in cafeteria incident
An administrator at a Catholic high school in Indianapolis has been charged with a misdemeanor in a dispute with a 14-year-old student in the cafeteria. Students told police that Bob Tully of Roncalli High School put a choke hold on a student during a dispute over a food spill on Dec. 6.
Justices could limit job bias lawsuits against churches
The Supreme Court said Wednesday it will consider expanding protections for churches against job-discrimination claims.
Arguments in Archdiocese lawsuit nixed, settlement possible
The oral arguments scheduled for Dec. 12 in the case involving the Cathedral High School teacher fired by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for being in a same-sex marriage have been postponed, but the judge presiding over the matter is hopeful the parties will reach a settlement in the interim.
Archdiocese claiming church autonomy in defense of teacher firing
Declaring the courts have no jurisdiction over church doctrine, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis will be in Marion Superior Court next week, arguing for the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a teacher who was fired from his position at Cathedral High School because he is in a same-sex marriage.
Woman’s death at Indianapolis church building called a homicide
Police in Indianapolis say the death of a woman at a Catholic church building has been ruled a homicide.
Suspended Indianapolis priest charged with sex crimes
A suspended Catholic priest in Indiana is facing charges alleging he sexually abused a child in 2016. The Rev. David Marcotte of Indianapolis is charged in Hamilton County with child solicitation, vicarious sexual gratification and dissemination of matter harmful to minors.
Red Masses fill fall calendar in Indiana
Continuing a tradition that dates from 1245, Red Masses will be celebrated in Indianapolis, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Zionsville at the start of October.
2 Bloomington men arrested after church vandalized
Two southern Indiana men have been arrested on charges alleging they vandalized a rural church with graffiti including sexual references, satanic symbols and racist comments. Two 25-year-old Bloomington men, Tyler J. Price and Gregory Silvey, have been charged with criminal mischief.