Religious Liberties

It may not be on your radar screen, but it should be. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) will lose government funding and shut its doors if Congress doesn’t act by mid-December (the original deadline was this Friday). CitizenLink told you about it here, here and here. Bottom line: The House already passed a bill to reauthorize the Commission, and now the Senate is holding it up.  Read more

A same-sex marriage bill was rammed through the New York state senate  late last Friday under a cloud of procedural irregularities and even physical coercion. Citizenlink has details. Even more can be found  here. Although the bill ultimately included some exemptions for the conscience rights of religious organizations and churches, it did not provide protection for individuals, small business owners, or parents concerned about what’s being taught to their children in public schools.  Read more

It does seem as though the usual suspects are saying “yes, they are.”  Read more

“In the end, the penalty for holding a diverse viewpoint has been extreme.”  Read more

Do’s and don’ts for Pastors
Church leaders have been bullied into suppression. Concerning gambling and other policy issues, America’s Church often has been called The Sleeping Giant.

You may be surprised to learn about your freedom to speak on issues and ballot measures from the pulpit. Churches need to be careful, however, not to jeopardize their 501(c)(3) status by endorsing electoral candidates or addressing partisan issues. Learn more about the Church’s rights and restrictions from legal professionals and experts in this field of practice. A summary can be read by clicking the link below (a more detailed explanation can also be accessed). (more…)

More than 40 distinguished retired military chaplains have written a letter to President Obama, urging him not to change the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The chaplains are concerned that they would be forced to choose between their careers and their faith if the ban on gays serving openly in the military is overturned. (more…)

Can churches be refused access to government-rented facilities?

What’s happened: A New York City church has been in a running legal battle since 1994 with a local school district. At issue is whether the church can rent school facilities for worship services during non-school hours. (more…)