If congregants split off from their denomination, who owns the church and the land?

Or if a chunk of plaster falls from the ceiling on a worshiper during Sabbath services, is the synagogue liable?

A local group of lawyers will host a one-day primer on how legal issues can affect religious groups across the theological spectrum. As one lawyer puts it, different laws can apply to nonprofit faith organizations.

"There are many risks that can affect them, and easy ways to avoid those risks," said Matthew Broughton, a partner of Gentry, Locke, Rakes & Moore.

Proper physical contact, insurance coverage for houses of worship and employee salaries will be topics of discussion, according to the seminar's agenda.

Even people on the opposite end of legal battles find value in it. A lawyer in a firm that has filed more than 50 sexual abuse suits against the Catholic Church across the country says it's useful for religious leaders to know their liabilities or advantages.

"They need to be aware of trends in the law because, for example, they have responsibility to manage the funds of their parishioners," said Adam Horowitz, a partner with Miami-based Mermelstein & Horowitz. "And if they are engaging in reckless activities and not acting responsibly, they're placing those funds at risk."

Gentry, Locke, Rakes & Moore will host its first faith and law seminar starting 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Sheraton Roanoke Hotel and Conference Center.

For more information, call 983-9300 or visit www.gentrylocke.com/faithlaw.

-- Jorge Valencia