Up to 30 days in jail!
Case Updates
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What happens when the government discriminates against people of faith
Dear John,
If a pastor in Oregon wanted to join 25 other people for church on Sunday morning, he faced $1,250 in fines and up to 30 days in jail.
But if that same pastor met up with 25 people for Sunday lunch at a local dine-in restaurant, he wasn’t breaking the law.
How could that be possible?
In America, the government can’t treat churches and people of faith as second-class citizens. The First Amendment makes that clear.
But some government officials continue to discriminate against churches and threaten the free exercise of religion.
Attacks on churches in America are increasing
With the help of Alliance Defending Freedom, two pastors in Oregon filed a lawsuit over the state’s Religious Assemblies Ban. The ban penalized and restricted churches as the rest of the state began to reopen.
Praise God that Oregon officials made things right and are no longer targeting these churches!
But Oregon isn’t the only state where government overreach is threatening churches.
In Nevada, casinos, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and other close-contact businesses are free to open to 50 or more people. But if you are a church and operating under social-distancing guidelines, you still can’t do the same.
In Washington State, churches face criminal and civil penalties for meeting even though the government has designated cannabis retailers, breweries, and union operations as “essential workers.” In fact, the governor has publicly labeled spiritual gatherings as “COVID-19 ‘superspreader’ events,” further stigmatizing churches and people of faith.
We’ve already filed lawsuits in both of these states, but the demand for legal support for churches remains at an all-time high.
Attorneys with the ADF Church Alliance are working overtime to ensure that churches across the country get the legal help they need.
But their work isn’t possible without you, John.
You can draw a line and protect churches from government overreach!
ADF was founded to keep the doors open for the Gospel. And the ADF Church Alliance stands ready to go to battle on behalf of churches and religious ministries when their freedom is threatened.
While many ADF cases spend years in litigation, these churches need quick and immediate relief. Every day is critical for churches as they work to reach the lost and share the hope of the Gospel during this challenging time.
That’s why your tax-deductible gift to stand against government overreach today is so critical, John.
Already, generous Ministry Friends have answered the call and given a $115,000 challenge grant to stand against government overreach. Will you join them in drawing a line to protect churches today?
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Year after year, we’ve seen God’s blessing when people of faith stand together against religious discrimination. And we’re trusting God to move in the hearts of people like you right now to help meet the needs of churches nationwide. Because what affects the Church affects YOU.
Today, you can draw a line. You can help protect churches from becoming victims of government overreach. And when you do, your gift will further the impact of the $115,000 challenge grant.
Thank you for giving generously.
DONATE NOW
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