Church's Gay Rights Stance Leads To Denial of Insurance Coverage

The Wall Street Journal today reports on a new problem faced by churches that take controversial social stances. A property insurance application by a United Church of Christ congregation in Adrian, Michigan was turned down as too risky because of the denomination's endorsement of gay marriage and the ordination of gays. An underwriter for Brotherhood Mutual insurance wrote the church: "controversial stances such as those indicated in your application responses have resulted in property damage and the potential for increased litigation among churches that have chosen to publicly endorse these positions." Brotherhood Mutual is one of the largest insurers of religious institutions. State insurance regulators see no legal problem with the underwriting decision.