Religious Institutions
What qualifies as a “Religious Institution” under RLUIPA
The issue of defining the term “religious institution” and determining whether an entity is a religious institution under RLUIPA (the Religious Land Use & Institutionalized Persons Act) is a question not frequently raised but important to consider in the context of a religious land use […]
Read MoreReligious Land Use Litigation – It’s more than another case
This past Friday I attended services at the Church I grew up and attended for nearly 30 years. This is the place where I was baptized, confirmed, attended eight years of elementary school then four years of high school at an affiliated school, was married […]
Read MoreSpecial Exceptions under Pennsylvania law
Servant’s Oasis (“Plaintiff”) is a non-denominational ministry “that exists to rescue, refresh and grow God’s people.” Servant’s Oasis sought to develop a religious retreat that would sit on three contiguous parcels of land located in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania (the “Property”), of which approximately 153 acres […]
Read MoreVariances vs. Special Exceptions: In the Matter of Tabernacle of Victory Pentecostal Church v. David P. Weiss
Tabernacle of Victory Pentecostal Church (“Petitioner”) is the owner of a certain property on the Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square, New York. The property is split zoned, with the front situated in a “Business District” and the rear situated in a “Residence C District.” Due […]
Read MoreLitigating Religious Land Use Claims: immunity for individual members of a City Council and Illinois State Tort & RFRA claims
American Islamic Center (“AIC” or “Plaintiff”) provides religious and educational services to the Muslim community of the Chicago metropolitan area. In March 2011, AIC began to search for a permanent facility in which to conduct its activities. On February 6, 3012, AIC contracted to […]
Read MoreDenominational Trust Clauses: Indiana’s Adoption of Trust Clause Interpretation
The Church of the Brethren, South/Central Indiana District (“the Denomination”) is composed of forty-five Church of Brethren congregations located across Indiana, and dates back to 1708. The Roann Church of Brethren, Inc. and the Roann Church, Inc. (“the Congregation”) traces its origins to mission […]
Read MoreFive Lessons Learned at the Department of Justice RLUIPA Roundtable
On May 2, 2016 Kate Brink and I had the honor to be invited to speak at the RLUIPA Roundtable hosted by the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice. We were grateful for the opportunity to speak with other RLUIPA practitioners and […]
Read MoreRLUIPA – Complete Religious Land Use Resources now available
The law firm of Dalton & Tomich PLC is proud to announce that it has prepared the very first comprehensive list of RLUIPA land use cases and Law Review Articles on its website, www.attorneysforlanduse.com The success rates and chronological listing of cases provide illustration of […]
Read MoreCivil RICO Claims, Mars Hills Church and the Church
It has been reported that two former families who attended and gave tithes and offerings to the former Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington are suing its former Pastor, Mark Driscoll, and several others alleging federal civil RICO claims. Is there a viable civil RICO […]
Read MoreDoes RLUIPA Protect Churches Against Eminent Domain Proceedings?
In recent years, several states have announced plans to begin constructing high-speed railway systems within their borders in an effort to create more efficient means of travel. These plans have begun to cause concern for private landowners who worry the states may resort to condemning […]
Read MoreAbout Us
Dalton & Tomich, PLC is the national leader in successfully helping churches, other religious institutions and their insurers defend their rights in land use and zoning matters under RLUIPA, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. We have helped clients win cases against municipalities and other local government bodies from coast to coast, with experience serving both as general counsel and special litigation counsel.
Harry HoffSenior Pastor, Hope Rising Community Church, Verona, PA
In 2015, Hope Rising Community Church experienced extreme opposition, the kind that would force it to close its doors and leave behind the families and youth it was so passionate about reaching. As the lead pastor I felt helpless, inferior and as if I had no […]
Read MoreKen KalbachElder, Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, Lenox, GA
Dalton & Tomich’s assistance in our RLUIPA matter has paved the way for our church to continue serving the community and for new churches in the area to thrive in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your stand for religious […]
Read MoreRev. Thomas OuweleenLead Pastor, The Urban Church, Warren, MI
The Urban Church will be forever grateful to Dalton & Tomich plc for navigating it through a difficult land use issue. Let them give you honest and caring advice because that’s exactly what they’ll do.
Read MoreKimberly KebleSenior Claims Adjuster, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance
Dalton & Tomich, PLC defended a complicated case at a church we insure. Not only is the firm professional, they understand how church business runs and work well within church leadership.
Read MoreRev. Demetrius BookerSenior Pastor, Lighthouse Community Church of God, Redford, MI
Dalton & Tomich, PLC helped us immensely in the areas of litigation and negotiation! Their professionalism and understanding of church policy helped our church be victorious in a modern day religious land use battle. RLUIPA Religious Land Use Case: Lighthouse Community Church of God
Read MoreMitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
Dalton & Tomich, PLC serves as General Counsel for the 144 churches within the Church of God in Michigan. The firm provides the legal expertise we need in dealing with the issues that arise during the course of fulfilling our ministry.
Read MoreTim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
I met Dan Dalton during a dark time for our church. He was recommended as the leading RLUIPA attorney in the nation. He demonstrated wisdom, expertise, a gentle nature, a calming inter-relational skill, genuineness, and a humble demeanor, while at the same time, being sharp, […]
Read MoreRonnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Mr. Dalton’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. His personal interest in helping our church went “above and beyond” just the call of duty. His understanding of both legal and spiritual matters seems to uniquely […]
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