Written by Don ByrdDr. Suzan Johnson Cook, a Baptist minister who became the U.S. State Department’s third Ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, is resigning her post, according to several news sources.
Written by Don ByrdGuideStone Financial Services, which provides benefits for the Southern Baptist Convention and other religious organizations, has initiated a class action lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate.
Written by Don ByrdThe government shutdown has kept all kinds of federal workers from doing their jobs, including some military chaplains who are under contract to provide services. One such civilian contractor, Father Ray Leonard, filed suit against the Department of Defense alleging violations of his religious freedom after he was not allowed to perform ceremonies while the government remained unfunded. While legislation allowed for continued military funding during the shutdown, the Defense Department interpreted that law to not cover contracting services like those provided by Leonard, who was deemed non-essential.
Written by Don ByrdReligious leaders usually mean well when they want to get involved at by supporting students in their community’s public schools. School officials face potential problems, however, when their conversation with students turns to religion. In one Washington state school, youth ministers who volunteered as cafeteria supervisors have been asked not to return, pending an investigation to determine whether they exploited the opportunity to proselytize.
Written by Don ByrdIn Wausau County, Wisconsin, a dispute is growing louder over the school district’s recent decision to limit the amount of sacred music that can be performed at school concerts. As a result of the new rules, concerts were cancelled and one popular school choir was temporarily placed on hiatus. As you might expect, the move has angered some community members and organizations, with typical battle lines being drawn. The Alliance Defending Freedom wrote a letter decrying the Board’s move and urging them to undo it, explaining that the First Amendment does not require such an extreme effort to keep sacred music out of school concerts. Meanwhile, the Freedom From Religion Foundation wrote praising the Board’s decision and urging them to stand strong in the face of inevitable public pressures.
Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.
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Follow
Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.