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Dear Friend,
For the past several months, The Washington Post has been talking with me about a chapter of The Rutherford Institute’s history that stretches back more than four decades: our role in helping to launch what became the modern religious freedom legal movement in America.

Today, the Post published its profile: “Why a lawyer who launched the Christian legal movement believes it’s gone astray ([link removed]) .”

It is a complicated story—and an important one.

When we began this work, the principle was simple: religious freedom belongs to everyone.

It belongs to Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists and people of every faith and no faith at all.

It cannot depend on which political party is in power, which religion is culturally dominant, or whether we agree with the person whose rights are being threatened.

That principle has guided The Rutherford Institute through decades of cases defending people across the religious and political spectrum.

Over time, however, parts of the religious liberty movement have become increasingly entangled with partisan politics, Christian nationalism and the pursuit of government power.

That is not religious freedom.

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Freedom of conscience means very little if we defend it only for people who think, worship or vote as we do.

The Washington Post’s profile looks back at how this movement began, the role The Rutherford Institute played in it, and why I believe some of those original principles have been lost along the way.

Read the Washington Post profile here:
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After more than 40 years of defending constitutional freedoms, one lesson remains constant: All freedoms hang together.

If we allow the government to decide whose beliefs deserve protection—and whose do not—none of us will remain free for long.

For freedom,

John W. Whitehead
Constitutional Attorney, President
The Rutherford Institute

P.S. The Rutherford Institute remains committed to defending religious freedom and civil liberties for everyone, regardless of politics, ideology or faith. If you believe that work matters, I hope you’ll stand with us.
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Further reading:

The Washington Post:

"Why a lawyer who launched the Christian legal movement believes it’s gone astray" by Michelle Boorstein

Source:
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Nisha Whitehead
(434) 978-3888 ext. 604
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THE RUTHERFORD INSTITUTE
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Phone: (434) 978-3888
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You are receiving this email because of your interest in the work of The Rutherford Institute. Founded in 1982 by constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead, The Rutherford Institute is a civil liberties organization that provides free legal services to people whose constitutional and human rights have been threatened or violated. To discontinue your membership electronically, or if you feel you are receiving this message in error, please follow the link below.

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