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A few days ago I shared with you how disappointed I was in the failure of SB48 to get on the California ballot. Today I want to share some positive things that are happening in our culture.
Recently I read of several brief decisions that have been made as a result of efforts by nonprofit organizations who exist to support religious freedom as followers of Christ to express and live out our faith in our nation. I see these reports continually . . . here are just a few examples from one week:
From American Family Association ...
Christian teacher bullied by school administrators: A New Jersey high school teacher was offended by a large school display recognizing October as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History month. The teacher expressed her opinion on her personal Facebook page, saying that homosexuality is a sin. As a result, she has been placed on paid leave pending an investigation by the school district. The American Family Association is defending her right.
In a similar case, a Florida teacher was suspended for his Facebook posts opposing homosexuality. That teacher received an apology from his school and was reinstated into the classroom.
Veterans Administration backs down: no more religious discrimination: In August, the director of a national cemetery forbade grieving families and volunteer groups to use the words “God” or “Jesus” at any funeral ceremony without her prior approval. Veterans’ groups sued the US Dept of Veteran Affairs, challenging that this was a violation of religious freedom. The Dept of V.A. backed down and settled out of court, agreeing to 1) not interfere with prayers during burial services; 2) not edit or control the speeches of speakers at ceremonies or events at the cemetery containing religious messages or viewpoints, and 3) not ban religious speech or words like “God” or “Jesus” in condolence cards or gifts. Praise God!
From Liberty Counsel ...
School district must provide equal access to religious speech: Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) was originally denied permission by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District in Santa Cruz County to distribute permission slips for its Good News Club after-school program, because the invitations contained the word “Bible,” describing “Bible stories.” Liberty Counsel requested an immediate amendment of their policy, based on the Supreme Court’s ruling that public schools must provide equal access and treatment to religious speech. The school district has amended its decision and the permission slips will be allowed.
High court upholds daily moment of silence: The Supreme Court has denied to review, and thus upheld, a lower court’s decision in Chicago last year that a daily moment of silence is unconstitutional, endorsing religion and seeking to introduce prayer in school. The Supreme Court ruled that a daily moment of silence is constitutional in public schools. This allows students at every public school the opportunity to start their day with silent prayer or reflection if they choose.
Student punished for Christian beliefs: A Texas high school freshman was given suspension for stating in class that he believes homosexuality is wrong because of his Christian faith. The student did not bully or harass anybody; he was just stating his personal opinion, in a civil and respectful manner, on a topic somebody else brought up. Liberty Counsel has demanded full vindication and a full retraction of the suspension. If the school board does not comply, a lawsuit will be filed for violation of the student’s First Amendment rights.
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Praise God these organizations are seeking to protect our religious freedom as Americans. I encourage you to check out the websites of these organizations that take a stand to fight for religious freedom in our nation:
I want this to be an encouragement for you to be proactive and to be aware of what’s going on. If you see a place where you think religious freedom is being violated, rather than assume there’s nothing that can be done about it be aware that these resources are available to us.
We have to stand up for our right to be who we are and have the freedom to believe what we believe.
In Christ’s incredible name,
Pastor Larry
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