California has done it again. The state is once again sticking its nose where it does not constitutionally belong.

This time, a California state court decided to bypass the Constitution in an attempt to resolve a religious dispute at Bethesda University.

The dispute arose when Bethesda University, a Pentecostal institution, followed its bylaws and removed Board Members who did not share its religious faith or act consistently with its Pentecostal beliefs.

The First Amendment prohibits the government from interfering with the autonomy of religious institutions and getting involved in these types of religious disputes.

Yet that’s exactly what this California court did when it applied “neutral principles” to determine the religious qualifications for the university’s board.

To stop this judicial overreach, First Liberty is asking the Supreme Court to reverse the California court’s decision that is forcing Bethesda University to include board members who do not follow their firmly held religious beliefs.

Listen to First Liberty’s Jeremy Dys explain why secular courts aren’t qualified to evaluate the religious character of faith-based organizations and what the Supreme Court can do to protect Bethesda's right to choose its own leaders.

Religious institutions – not judges – are responsible for choosing their leaders. Any decision from a lower court that says otherwise could open the door for judicial intrusions into any theological matter.

That’s why we’re asking the Supreme Court to once and for all clear up any confusion that the lower courts may have when it comes to disputes within religious institutions.

But to properly prepare for this case, our legal team needs your help. The fact is John, we can’t win without your financial support.

Will you join us in the fight to protect Bethesda University’s right and the rights of all religious institutions to choose how they operate?

Will you join us in this fight for faith?