On August 2, 2020, the church again met indoors and Pastor McCoy said he was “willing to go to jail” and “willing for them to take our building” rather than comply with the state and local orders.
Category: Free Exercise
Supreme Court: Religious schools immune from teachers’ discrimination claims
The ethical and moral onus is now on religious institutions as they decide whether to fire “ministerial” employees for reasons illegal in the secular world, such as age or the need for cancer treatment. Institutions engaging in this kind of discriminatory tactic will still need to answer to a Higher Source who will not be impressed with their ability to obtain summary judgment. The way for religious institutions to “win” these cases is to avoid them in the first place by taking the lead in treating employees with the highest degree of care and concern.
Did the Supreme Court open the door to regulation of religious schools?
With the death of state Blaine Amendments this week, religious schools that welcome state money might find that they are now subject to regulation that may undermine their very reason for existence.
Supreme Court agrees to hear Philadelphia faith-based adoption agency case
On February 24, 2020, the Supreme court agreed to hear an appeal brought against the city of Philadelphia by Catholic Social Services (CSS). The city has a standing policy of not referring foster children to CSS because CSS will not certify same-sex couples as foster parents.
Dept. of Education Releases Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools
Here are the key points of the Dept. of Education’s Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools.
Texas judge sues for right to refuse to perform same-sex weddings
Texas Justice of the Peace Dianne Hensley has filed a lawsuit against the state agency that sanctioned her last month for refusing to perform same-sex weddings.
Supreme Court declines to hear case involving 1925 baptism
This week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a lawsuit filed by a 94-year-old Texas man who claimed that a priest violated his First Amendment rights when he used a crucifix during his 1925 baptism. The Fifth Circuit ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case in July. The Fifth Circuit’s decision provides…
Bill introduced today seeks to find balance between religious freedom and LBGT rights
This morning, Congressman Chris Stewart (UT-02) introduced the Fairness for All Act (FFA) to resolve conflicts between the rights of LGBT individuals and the religious liberty rights of individuals.
Indiana court rules Christian groups lack standing to challenge state RFRA
An Indiana state trial court judge has ruled that the conservative family advocacy groups lack standing to challenge gender identity and sexual orientation exclusions in Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Lemuel V. Sapian releases new book on America’s religious freedom divide
Very few things can be as divisive as religion. In free America, we are guaranteed freedom of religion. This has kept the United States a mighty nation, with its strength being derived from unity in diversity. However, many Christians believe America is a Christian Nation and should be upheld as such by civil laws. The public divide over this political issue is seen in the separation of people into diverse groups,