Dear John,
“Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
These simple words have been comforting and encouraging children for centuries.
Lydia Booth is one of those children.
Lydia is nine years old and in the third grade at Simpson Central School, a public school in Mississippi. And she loves Jesus.
So when Lydia returned to school this fall and was required to wear a mask, she wanted to choose one that was meaningful to her—that expressed her faith. After all, masks have become a new way to “express yourself.”
Lydia’s classmates seemed to have the same idea. Other students wore masks displaying the Jackson State University logo, the New Orleans Saints logo, and even “Black Lives Matter.”
So you can imagine Lydia’s surprise when one day school officials forced her to remove her mask simply because it read “Jesus loves me.”
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An America that silences children from expressing their faith
John, at nine years old, Lydia has already experienced what no American should ever have to experience: fear of punishment for expressing her faith.
And you know she’s not the only one.
A recent poll revealed that more than 60 percent of Americans have opinions that they are afraid to share. That number rises to 77 percent for conservatives.
Lydia’s story and these statistics are symptoms of a much larger problem in America—the tyrannical attempt by some government officials, activist groups, and even radicalized individuals to control the words you speak and the beliefs you express.
This must stop.
But we cannot just sit back and wait for victories for freedom to fall into our laps.
We have to stand up for justice. We have to defend our constitutional rights. We have to run into the battle rather than hide in fear. That’s why Alliance Defending Freedom filed a lawsuit on Lydia’s behalf.
But there are many more battles ahead.
We know that the election has brought a lot of uncertainties, John. But you can be sure that ADF will take every opportunity to defend your God-given and constitutionally protected freedoms in the coming weeks, months, and years—no matter who is in office.
Consider that last year, ADF received more than 4,000 legal requests. There are many people out there—even children like Lydia—who desperately need help to defend their most cherished freedoms. And because ADF doesn’t charge clients for the legal defense we provide, their fight isn’t possible without you.
This work is wholly dependent on God’s provision (John 15:5) and your prayers and financial gifts. That’s why your tax-deductible gift today is so critical, John.
If you feel strongly that America must remain a nation that protects religious freedom and freedom of speech, please take your stand today and further the impact of the $500,000 challenge grant.
Your tax-deductible gift doesn’t just protect Lydia’s freedom—it protects yours too.
Thank you for giving generously. |
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