Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship—and their clergy and spiritual leaders—play an important role in the lives of many people. And sometimes our relationships with these institutions and people intersect with the law.

In Virginia, as in other states, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship, along with their clergy and spiritual leaders, are subject to both state statutes and federal law. Virginia law provides certain protections and obligations for religious institutions. For example, the Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act ensures that no law can substantially burden a person's free exercise of religion unless it is the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest. Additionally, clergy are generally exempt from testifying about any information obtained in the course of their religious duties, such as confessions or spiritual counseling. However, this privilege is not absolute and can vary depending on the circumstances. Federal laws, such as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), protect the rights of places of worship against discrimination in zoning laws. Moreover, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax-exempt status to qualifying religious organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, which also places certain restrictions on political activities. It's important to note that while religious institutions are afforded many protections under the law, they must also adhere to regulations concerning employment, land use, and other areas where their activities intersect with secular law.