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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:
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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