| About a year ago, Church Law & Tax embarked upon a project exploring the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), the federal law passed more than 20 years ago and designed to protect the ways churches use their properties for ministry. We titled this project “Religious Land Use & The Church.” Why is this important? Despite this law's 20-year history, many church leaders are still unaware of its capability to help them avoid or navigate property and zoning challenges posed by government agencies. Just last month, county officials near Philadelphia cited two churches for violating the zoning code’s definition of “church.” The reasons for the citations: The churches are offering free meals, distributing hygiene products, hosting food pantries, and providing mental health services. Our biblical definition of church is different from the local municipality. This disconnect is precisely why RLUIPA exists and can help. You and your leaders can access this five-part video series—and so much more—when you join one of our memberships. Join today and receive $30 off a new Website Membership. *This offer expires on July 31, 2022, and is valid on new Website Memberships only. Advantage Memberships are excluded. | 