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religious freedom
HR 1913: Problematic for Churches? (Updated)
UPDATE 3 June 2009 Robert Gagnon, NT Prof at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (a PCUSA school!) has published a new essay replying to HR 1913. The bill has been passed by the House and is now in a Senate committee as SB 909. . . . Continue reading →
Gilbert AZ Zoning Board to Constitution: "Take a Hike"
The 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States prohibits Congress from making laws that have the effect of prohibiting the free exercise of religion. It also prohibits law that abridge the freedom of speech or of the “right of the . . . Continue reading →
Religious Freedom Watch: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Demands CUP (Updated)
Update: Rancho Cucamonga has dropped the action against the Bible Study. Original Post 27 Mar 2010 First it was San Diego, then Gilbert, AZ and now Rancho Cucamonga.
Church Bells and Bible Studies (UPDATED)
Update 26 April 2010 A federal court has ruled that the city ordinance restricting church bells is an unconstitutional abridgment of religious speech. Now that the principle is established, perhaps the congregation will accommodate itself to its neighbors and moderate the number . . . Continue reading →
Need a Cop in Dearborn?
Originally posted 22 June 2010. UPDATE 24 June 2010. The Thomas More Law Center is now representing those who were arrested (HT: Aquila Report)
Want a Christian Roomie? Just Don't Tell Anyone
A woman posted a note on her church bulletin board and now she’s facing charges from the Fair Housing center of West Michigan (Grand Rapids) (HT: Aquila Report).
Christian Seeks Christian Roomie – Feds Approve, Sort Of
Late last month I posted a note about the case of a Christian who posted a want ad on a church’s bulletin board. Someone noticed that ad and complained to fair housing agency, who, in turn filed a complaint with the US . . . Continue reading →
Religious Freedom Watch: Deny the Faith or Get Out?
UPDATE 1 August 10 A federal court has dismissed a suit brought by an Eastern Michigan student who was dismissed from an academic program for refusing to counsel homosexuals.
Good News from a Surprising Source?
One might not have expected this Department of Justice to be advocating on behalf of religious liberty and one might not look at this case as good news but arguably one might be wrong.
The New Inquisition: Illiberalism in the Modern Academy
Most college students are taught that, in the pre-Enlightenment world, religious zealots persecuted enlightened astronomers for daring to challenge deeply held but ignorant religious beliefs on the basis of early modern science. Whether that story is true as told is immaterial. That . . . Continue reading →
Candidate Suspected of Being "An Evangelical" Wins Settlement
Last month we learned that the University of Kentucky denied an appointment to a qualified candidate on the basis that he might be an evangelical. Yesterday news emerged that the UK settled Gaskell’s religious discrimination suit with Gaskell for $125,000 (HT: Rhett . . . Continue reading →
Brian Lee on the Real Problem with the Statement by the American Embassy in Cairo
But the real problem with the statement is its failure to grasp the inherently offensive nature of most religious belief. It belies the widely held belief that “good religion” must be utterly private, banal, and non-offensive. Read more
Toronto School Board Raises Rates on Churches By 800%
“The only thing I can think of is that they are trying to say they want the church out of here,” said Rev. Neil Zagala, who is the Secretary of the Ontario Filipino Fellowship. “Such a rent increase seems so out of . . . Continue reading →
Religious Freedom Watch: Pentagon May Prosecute Witnessing (Updated)
Originally posted May 1, 2013 Updated below. If these fundamentalist Christian monsters of human degradation … and tyranny cannot broker or barter your acceptance of their putrid theology, then they crave for your universal silence in the face of their rapacious reign . . . Continue reading →
Religious Freedom Watch: What the IRS Wants to Know About Your Religion (Updated)
Originally published 18 May, 2013. Updated 23 May 2013 (below). From the 16 May 2013 Memo to the Hon. Aaron Schock, Member of Congress, Committee of Ways and Means, from Thomas Brejcha, Peter Breen, Sally Wagenmaker, Esqs. Thomas More Society. The IRS . . . Continue reading →
Religious Freedom Watch: Chilling Protected Religious Speech In The Military
Todd Starnes reports The Obama Administration “strongly objects” to a proposed amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would have protected the religious rights of soldiers – including evangelical Christian service members who are facing growing hostility towards their religion. Rep. John . . . Continue reading →
Deaths From Church Shootings Rose 36% In 2012
A congregation at prayer, hearing God’s Word preached and responding by singing God’s Word should be the safest place in the world. According to a story in Christianity Today, however, in 2012 it was not. Security experts describe them as “soft targets,” places . . . Continue reading →
When And How To Draw A Line In The Sand? (Updated)
UPDATE 7/5/13 Below. Original Post 7/1/13 PCA Pastor Robert Dekker, pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian Church wanted to hold worship services this summer on the beach near Lewes, Delaware. He applied for a permit from the city to use public space. The . . . Continue reading →
Does The State Illegitimately Control The Church?
It has recently been argued to me that, in the various states, because the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act(s), the Uniform Child Custody Justice Enforcement Act(s), and because most congregations (and denominations) have formed non-profit corporations (in the USA congregations usually become . . . Continue reading →