Mitigating Legal Risk in the Seventh-day Adventist Church: Determining the Resolution of Property Issues and Legal Awareness among Administrators as Basis for a Primer

Gizelle Lou Fugoso

Authors

Gizelle Lou Fugoso

Keywords:

property law, Seventhday Adventist Church, litigation

Abstract

This study investigates the awareness and resolution practices of administrators within the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church concerning property-related legal risks. Religious organizations, including the SDA church, face legal challenges associated with property ownership, usage, and disputes. To address these challenges proactively, this research aims to assess the level of awareness among incumbent administrators. A multi-method approach, combining surveys and in-depth interviews, was employed to gather data from administrators in the three unions in the Philippines. The survey focused on gauging their knowledge of legal risks, existing policies, and experiences in handling property-related disputes. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain insights into the administrators' perspectives, challenges, and the effectiveness of current resolution strategies. A total of nine administrators, three from each union, participated in the study. Preliminary findings indicate high awareness among administrators regarding legal risks associated with church properties. The present property issues were found to be generally passed from previous administrations. Additionally, the study identifies common challenges faced by administrators and identifies that there is truly a need for a comprehensive primer to guide administrators in navigating legal complexities effectively. The ultimate goal of this research is to contribute to the development of a primer tailored to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, offering practical guidance on legal risk mitigation and property issue resolution. By enhancing awareness and providing effective tools for addressing legal challenges, the primer aims to fortify the SDA Church against potential legal liabilities and foster a more secure and transparent approach to property management within the organization.

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References

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