First Liberty



Supreme Court Decision is a Major Step Forward,
But Autonomy for Churches & Faith-Based Schools Still at Stake

This week, in one of our cases, the U.S. Supreme Court gave us a
victory when it vacated the decision below by the Puerto Rico Supreme
Court that threatened the autonomy of Catholic churches and
faith-based schools.

The nation's High Court is sending the case back to the lower
court for further review-a major step forward in achieving an
ultimate victory to help ensure the government stays out of the
church's business.

Less than a year ago, First Liberty stepped in to represent two
parochial schools in Puerto Rico. At a critical moment, our legal team
filed a petition urging the High Court to hear this case.

For decades, these two schools were legally independent, managing
their own affairs without having to affiliate with any particular
church. But their independence and freedom to operate according to
their beliefs was threatened when the Puerto Rico Supreme Court issued
a ruling denying the legal existence of these two Catholic schools.

What's more, that court's decision proceeded to direct
them on how to organize and manage their affairs, making the ruling
even more disturbing and dangerous. After all, if a court or state
agency can tell a church or school how to operate, it's only a
matter of time until government is telling churches what to believe.

Just imagine the fallout and long-term impact this kind of intrusion
could have on churches and religious schools not just in Puerto Rico,
but all throughout the country, essentially erasing autonomy for
religious institutions.

And yes, that could include our churches or the faith-based school
that our children or grandchildren attend.

That's why this most recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court
is so important for the First Freedom of all Americans.

Watch the video below, where you'll see First Liberty's
President, CEO and Chief Counsel, Kelly Shackelford, explain the
Supreme Court's recent decision in more detail-and how it
could affect your religious freedom:

Watch Now Kelly Shackelford Explaing Why This Supreme Court
Decision is a Major Step Forward
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At this unique point in our nation's history, opponents of
religious freedom continue to try and use the government's power
as a way to force houses of worship and religious schools to violate
their deeply-held beliefs or to strip away their constitutional
rights.

Thankfully, the U.S. Supreme Court appears to be moving in a very
positive direction as it relates to the First Amendment rights of
religious organizations and schools, and this most recent decision is
more proof that together we're reclaiming religious freedom for
people of all faiths nationwide.

That's why we're so thankful to you for standing strong
with First Liberty. Because of YOUR ongoing prayers and financial
support, we can keep fighting and winning cases to help to
protect religious freedom for the next generation-our children
and grandchildren.

Together, we will continue to reclaim religious freedom in 2020
with more victories than ever before.

John, will you help First Liberty continue making more
history this year by making a timely donation today?

 



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