Julie Kingrey has tendered her resignation as assistant director of Financial Operations for Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT). Her resignation comes after her husband’s work was relocated to North Carolina.
Tag: Brethren Benefit Trust
Brethren Benefit Trust Announces New Client Relations Department and Related Personnel Changes
“Serving the members and organizations of the Church of the Brethren is the directive Brethren Benefit Trust has been given by the Annual Conference,” said BBT president Nevin Dulabaum. “At the forefront of that service are strong relationships with the denomination’s members and organizations. Thus, the creation of a new department that focuses on service, product development, and resources for the benefit of those we serve will help ensure that BBT fulfills its mandate for years to come. This is an exciting new chapter in the life of BBT!”
Communication Informs About New IRS Rule on Pre-Tax Health Insurance Premium Contributions for Pastors, Church Workers
A communication with important information about how churches report their pastors’ (and lay employees’) income with regard to health insurance premiums is being sent to each Church of the Brethren congregation. The joint letter is from Mary Jo Flory-Steury, associate general secretary of the Church of the Brethren and executive of the Ministry Office, and Scott W. Douglas, BBT director of Employee Benefits. An additional letter from Douglas gives information about IRS rules for Section 105 HRA pre-tax insurance contributions.
Court Rules to ‘Vacate’ Clergy Housing Allowance Case
“We have good news to share!” said an update from Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) about a court case that had the potential to seriously affect the tax status of clergy housing allowances. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the clergy housing allowance case brought by the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. is to be vacated (eliminated) and remanded (sent back) to the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin with instructions to dismiss the case. The court ruled that the plaintiffs have no standing to bring a complaint.
Delegates Maintain Current Structure of Mission and Ministry Board; Defer to 2015 Other Decisions on Board Bylaws, BBT Articles, Agency Financial Reports
This year’s recommendation by the Mission and Ministry Board responding to a query about equitable representation on the board, was adopted. The content of the recommendation was unusually simple–to maintain the current structure of the Mission and Ministry Board with no changes to how members are chosen.
BBT Announces New Communications Director and Assistant Director of Financial Operations
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has hired Alaska Jean Bednar as director of communications, and has hired Julie Kingrey as assistant director of financial operations.
BBT Supports Church Alliance Filing of Amicus Brief in Clergy Housing Exclusion Case
The Church Alliance–a coalition of the chief executive officers of 38 denominational benefit programs including Church of the Brethren Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT)–has filed an amicus curiae brief in the Seventh Circuit US Court of Appeals (Chicago) in the case challenging the constitutionality of the clergy housing exclusion under Section 107(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Code).
Ministry Office Offers Information on Clergy Housing Ruling, BBT Involved in Appeal Through the Church Alliance
On Nov. 22, a judge of the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin ruled that the housing allowance that is made available to clergy by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is unconstitutional. The decision has no immediate impact because it is not yet effective, and the ruling is on hold until all appeals are exhausted.
BBT Eliminates Position of Manager of Pension Operations
Given the ongoing challenges of providing a competitive and cost effective Pension Plan to members, Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has concluded that the agency needs to refocus resources. Therefore, BBT has taken another step to streamline the Benefits Department and has eliminated the position of Manager of Pension Operations, which has been held by John Carroll.
BBT Launches News and Information Site on Health Care Reform
Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has launched a news and information website titled “ReformWatch,” offering information about health care reform and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).