Belarus Officials Raid Baptist Service, Arrest Church Leaders

Written by Don Byrd
Associated Baptist Press’ Bob Allen relays a Forum18 report that three Baptist church leaders in Belarus were arrested last month following a police raid on a worship service. Their crime? Officials would not explain the charges, but the house church is affiliated with the Council of Churches Baptists, which “refuses to register with the government as a matter of principle.”

Wyoming Corrections Department Accused of Violating Religious Liberty of Jewish Inmates

Written by Don Byrd
Last week the ACLU sent a letter to the Wyoming Department of Corrections requesting they revise a policy that prohibits inmates from wearing a yarmulke outside their cell or in religious services. Under RLUIPA, such a rule may substantially burden an inmate’s religious exercise only if it is necessary to achieve a compelling government interest. Assuring that inmates are afforded basic religious accommodations, the ACLU writes, is exactly why RLUIPA was adopted.

Justice Department Argues Contraception Mandate is Not a Substantial Burden

Written by Don Byrd
Politico reports on the brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court by the Justice Department late Friday in the contraception mandate cases. The government argues the burden placed on religious owners of closely held corporations by the requirement to provide such coverage is not substantial enough to trigger First Amendment protection. The burden, they claim is too indirect.

Snake-Handling Pastor Won’t be Charged with Violating TN Wildlife Laws

Written by Don Byrd
Following up a story from last year, a Tennessee preacher whose church practices snake-handling as part of its religious ceremony will not be charged with violating the state’s wildlife laws. A raid by the Wildlife Resources Agency seized dozens of venomous snakes the law bars from possession. A grand jury, however, after hearing from the pastor himself, declined to hand down indictments.