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** Dear John,
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What happens when a church simply wants to teach young children -
and the government says it can only do so if it surrenders its faith?
That is the question at the heart of a case now heading toward the United States Supreme Court, and it is one of the most consequential parental rights and religious freedom cases Pacific Justice Institute is currently defending.
In Foothills Christian Ministries v. Bonta, three churches in San Diego County are seeking to open Christian preschools as an extension of their ministry.
Not to exclude anyone.
Not to discriminate.
But to teach, disciple, and serve young children in a distinctly Christian environment.
Yet under California law, these churches are told they may only operate a preschool if they agree to sweeping conditions that fundamentally alter their mission.
Among other requirements, churches would be forced to:
* Waive core constitutional protections
* Refrain from requiring participation in religious activities
* Allow government investigators to conduct unannounced searches without warrants
* Permit seizure of records and questioning of staff without basic legal safeguards
In short, the State of California is saying to churches:
You may serve children — but only if you surrender your faith at the door.
That is not oversight.
That is not neutrality.
That is government overreach.
Stand with PJI Today! ([link removed])
This case is not just about preschools.
It is about whether churches are allowed to pass on their beliefs to the next generation without interference from the State.
If California prevails, the implications reach far beyond these three churches.
* Christian preschools nationwide could be forced to secularize or shut down
* Parents could lose access to faith-based early education
* Churches could be told that ministry to children is permitted only on the government’s terms
That is why PJI is fighting this case, and why it is now on a path toward the Supreme Court.
This is a defining moment for parental choice and religious liberty.
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Pacific Justice Institute is representing these churches because we believe something fundamental:
Churches should never have to abandon their beliefs in order to serve children.
This case also underscores why PJI is expanding its national reach through initiatives like:
* The 25–50 Vision, placing attorneys across all 50 states so churches are never left without defense
* The Church Kiosk Initiative, equipping congregations with trusted legal resources and updates so they are informed before problems arise
When churches understand their rights, they can stand firm - and when they are threatened, PJI is ready to defend them.
Cases like Foothills Christian Ministries do not resolve themselves.
They require experienced attorneys, constitutional expertise, and the ability to go all the way — even to the highest court in the land.
Your gift today helps ensure that:
* Churches can continue discipling children
* Parents retain meaningful choice in their children’s education
* Faith-based ministries are not regulated out of existence
* No church stands alone when government pressure mounts
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** >>Give Today to Support Pacific Justice Institute! ([link removed])
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Thank you for standing with Pacific Justice Institute as we defend faith, family, and the next generation.
Brad Dacus
President & Founder,
Pacific Justice Institute
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