As governors, mayors and councilmen provide guidelines to meet the impact of COVID-19 within their jurisdictions, heightened concerns about government overreach and infringement of constitutional rights are being raised in many sectors of society.
The Synod is among 22 states, 144 members of Congress and numerous other organizations filing amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could block California’s mandate for abortion advertisements in pro-life pregnancy centers.
Upon hearing oral arguments for Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission Dec. 5, the U.S. Supreme Court now must decide, in effect, whether Christians have the same liberty as others to live consistently according to their religious beliefs.
The brief’s basis is that the government cannot force Americans to use their abilities and vocations to perform services that violate their faith and conscience.
Judge Ruth Neely, a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pinedale, Wyo., has been under fire since 2014 for expressing her faith-based beliefs on marriage.
With the U.S. Supreme Court delivering its Trinity Lutheran Church ruling in favor of the church, the Synod will be looking at the specifics of the decision and its implications for religious liberty.
James Gottry, legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, writes that the U.S. Supreme Court might rule in favor of religious nonprofits on the basis of religious discrimination.
The United States Supreme Court on April 19 heard oral arguments for Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, a case involving an LCMS congregation. Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Christiana Holcomb talks about the ‘playground case’ with KFUO Radio host Kip Allen during a “Free to be Faithful” program.
The amicus brief supports Richland, Wash., floral designer Barronelle Stutzman, who faces two lawsuits for refusing to use her artistic abilities for a same-sex wedding ceremony.
The LCMS has partnered with Alliance Defending for a downloadable manual, Protecting Your Ministry, to help congregations and schools prepare for lawsuits and other legal intrusions.
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