Email from Citizens for Traditional Values Religious freedom needs our defense View in Browser We are heartbroken and grieve the loss of Charlie Kirk yesterday - a leader who was senselessly cut down in the prime of his life. Charlie led a life of faith and courage. He reached so many young people as spoke the truth fearlessly with love and graciousness. We pray for comfort for his wife and young children in this unimaginable hour. And we pray for our nation - as social media shows many laughing and cheering. This is despicable, who have we become? Did you notice his t-shirt says “FREEDOM”? As many have shared, Charlie’s passion to fight for the biblical values that guided his life will not end with his death. He didn’t shy away from discussing issues in civil debate – he encouraged it! And he would want us all to continue to teach the truth and fight boldly for the religious freedoms upon which America was founded. We had planned this memo around the theme of Michigan’s heritage of upholding religious freedom – now more relevant than ever. Did you know? Before Michigan became a state in 1837, a group of people gathered at a convention in Detroit to form a constitution. In 1835, they were explicit on what they wanted the future of Michigan to regard as important: Religious worship. The authors of the Michigan constitution said, “Every person has a right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of his own conscience; and no person can of right be compelled to attend, erect, or support, against his will, any place of religious worship, or pay any tithes, taxes or other rates, for the support of any minister of the gospel or teacher of religion.”   I believe that the freedom to worship is something we in Michigan have taken for granted. Do you agree?   Threats to freedom are closer than you realize: 1. A local church in Michigan (Dimondale/Eaton County) has been restricted in in regular church activities with its Township for months due to zoning regulations and community interests (Read it here). 2. A courageous prayer warrior from southeast Michigan is fighting to defend his right to pray outside of an abortion clinic. His lawyer, Christian attorney Erin Mersino isworking to move the case to the US Supreme Court. 3. A former University of Michigan health employee was fired for requesting religious exemption from offering gender affirming care. She has just found out she can continue her suit (thanks to an Appellate Court ruling). We can’t have Freedom without religious liberty. It is a vital pillar of society to protect and defend. As stories have proven over the past few years, Michigan’s religious freedoms are not out of reach.   If you want to ensure: Your local church does not have to seek the constant permission of government Your local schools will NOT use curriculum PARENTS deem unfit for their children Your ability to OPT OUT of certain functions due to religious beliefs … You have to do what the founders of our state did back in 1835: They drew a line in the sand, they put their energy and voice into making freedom a reality.  Make sure your own local community is not squelching religious freedom. It matters too much. A Positive Voice for Your Values, Eileen McNeil, President   Take Heart... President Trump just gave a speech at the Museum of the Bible. Never in all my years have I heard a President so passionately defend the sanctity of religious freedom. But is America seeing this? At the root of “traditional values” is God and His Word. Now is our time to steward this freedom extra carefully and recommit to the root of what is traditional – values that celebrate strong families, freedom of worship and conscience, giving parents more choices in education for their children, keeping a free market so opportunity may flourish for our nation. To name just a few! Keep praying.   Religious Challenges in Michigan 1) Michigan scored a 22 % in religious freedom and overall 32% Faith and Freedom score in Napa’s Legal review. Wow, I know we can do better! 2) A Christian Professor who criticized DEI at Michigan State University – wins her battle. Talk about being close to home! 3) Two Allegan County (Michigan) elementary students were initially told they could not use Christian songs for a talent show because it was too religious but the ruling was changed. 4) Christian Healthcare Centers and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic school (Grand Rapids) are successful in challenging the state for their right to hire employees according to their beliefs and doctrines, without facing lawsuits. 5) Good news: Michigan employee doesn’t want covid shot – and wins   Donate to support the work of CTV   What Can You Do for Religious Freedom Encourage your Clergy to discuss these things. Give them this download of "Legal Do's and Don'ts." Run for office: we have just announced our premiere training for conservatives and people of faith for our 2025 Political Leadership Academy Take a stand: Host a prayer gathering at your local school in partnership with those who attend for See You At the Pole. Get involved in ONE local community board even just attending meetings and make sure Christian values are not squashed. Teach your children and grandchildren on why religious freedom matters Donate to groups like CTV Conclusion: Watch this short video This is a short and powerful video depicting the importance of religious freedom. Share it with your family. What is Religious Freedom? Watch here   If you encounter a situation of religious freedom discrimination, please contact our office and we would be happy to recommend some trustworthy advocates.  You are not alone.   When the Nazis came for the communists, I kept quiet; I wasn't a communist. When they came for the trade unionists, I kept quiet; I wasn't a trade unionist. When they locked up the social democrats, I kept quiet; I wasn't a social democrat. When they locked up the Jews, I kept quiet; I wasn't a Jew. When they came for me, there was no one left to protest. Martin Niemoller A Positive Voice for YOUR Values since 1989   Support Our Work   Citizens for Traditional Values | PO Box 80295 | Lansing, MI 48908 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice