Christian Scholars Network, Inc. is a nonprofit ministry which has been exempt from federal income tax by the IRS under section 501(c)(3). In 2019, CSN purchased real estate near the Virginia Tech campus and opened the Bradley Study Center to cultivate a thoughtful exploration of the Christian faith and how one’s faith connects to their studies, work, and life. CSN uses the Bradley Study Center property for worship services, prayer meetings, studies and discussions on the Bible and theological books, and a Fellows Program for Virginia Tech students to meet weekly for theological discussions and fellowship.
Government officials, however, did not deem all these activities to be “worship” or CSN to be a “religious association.” But a religious studies scholar has opined as a potential expert witness that CSN’s activities at the Bradley Study Center constitute worship. After Rutherford Institute affiliate attorneys filed the lawsuit on behalf of CSN, the government moved to dismiss the suit. Following briefing on the government’s arguments, the court ruled against the government and held that all but one of CSN’s claims could proceed to trial, which is expected to take place within the next year.
Affiliate attorneys Melvin E. Williams and Meghan A. Strickler of Williams & Strickler, PLC are representing CSN as counsel of record in the case.
The Rutherford Institute, a nonprofit civil liberties organization, provides legal assistance at no charge to individuals whose constitutional rights have been threatened or violated, and educates the public on a wide spectrum of issues affecting their freedoms.
This press release is also available at www.rutherford.org.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/ytpv63u6
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