In a unanimous decision Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that the Yakima Union Gospel Mission is free to hire like-minded employees who share and live out the mission’s religious beliefs and purpose to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through its homeless shelter and other community service programs.

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys represent the Yakima Union Gospel Mission in challenging a Washington state law that limited its ability to hire individuals who share and live out its faith. The 9th Circuit’s ruling affirms that churches and religious ministries have autonomy to hire fellow believers for all positions.

“Religious organizations shouldn’t be punished for exercising their constitutionally protected freedom to hire employees who are aligned with and live out their shared religious beliefs,” said ADF Senior Counsel Jeremiah Galus, who argued before the court. “Yakima Union Gospel Mission exists to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through its homeless shelter, addiction-recovery programs, outreach efforts, meal services, and health clinics. The 9th Circuit correctly ruled that the First Amendment protects the mission’s freedom to hire fellow believers who share that calling.” Read more»

January 6, 2026 | “9th Circuit Affirms Religious Ministries Can Hire Like-minded Individuals”

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