The starting point for a study of legal issues facing pastors needs to begin with definitions. There are several important terms associated with clergy, including pastor, minister, and clergyman, and a number of laws use these terms, so it is important to understand their meaning. To illustrate, would a volunteer youth pastor who has no ministerial credentials be considered a “minister” for purposes of the clergy-penitent privilege? Would such a person be eligible to perform marriage ceremonies?
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