Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM

Trump's First Day Impact on Religious Freedom

First Liberty Institute Kelly Shackelford unpacks Trumps first-day executive orders and their impact on religious freedom | January 25, 2025 After all of the pomp and circumstance of Inauguration Day ended, President Trump sat down at the Resolute Desk and began sig…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 24, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Trump Signs Executive Orders That Impact Religious Freedom

First Liberty Institute Five big changes that will protect people of faith and free exercise of religion. | Pres. Trump Signs Several Executive Orders  That Will Benefit Religious Freedom On day one, President Trump signed a multitude of executive orders. Fir…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 24, 2025 at 12:50 AM

BREAKING: Teacher SUSPENDED for her faith

First Liberty Institute Connecticut teacher Marisol Arroyo-Castro facing loss of job for displaying a crucifix in her workspace | January 23, 2025 Fewer than three years ago, we won an important victory for teachers when the Supreme Court issued their decision in the Co…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 21, 2025 at 10:45 PM

BREAKING: Ohio Pastor Guilty of Criminal Charges for Keeping Church Open

First Liberty Institute Compassion is now a criminal offense. First Liberty will appeal troubling guilty verdict | January 21, 2025 We just received an alarming ruling in our case involving Pastor Chris Avell and Dad’s Place Church in Bryan, Ohio. Today, Pastor Chris w…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 17, 2025 at 12:30 PM

We now have 4 cases pending at the U.S. Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Major cases that impact employees, churches, families and ministries across America | Supreme Court Asked to Protect Charities’ Right  to Collect Donations Across Texas City First Liberty is assisting the law firm Copilevitz, Lam & …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 16, 2025 at 8:01 PM

Celebrating our First Freedom

First Liberty Institute Today, America celebrates National Religious Freedom Day | January 16, 2025 Dear John, Religious liberty is—and has always been—at the center of our country. The right to openly live out our faith is a defining part of America and why freedom h…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 14, 2025 at 8:35 PM

School board member fights back against unconstitutional censorship

First Liberty Institute Court asked to uphold Heather Rooks’ constitutional right to quote Bible verses | January 14, 2025 Since the founding of our nation, public officials have often quoted scripture for the purpose of encouragement or inspiration. Citing a quotat…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 10, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Big changes coming to social media that will impact religious freedom

First Liberty Institute Meta ends ‘fact-checking’ program in positive move for online free speech | Meta Ends ‘Fact-Checking’ Program,  Good News for Religious Liberty Social media giant Meta says it will move toward policies more focused on free speech. This …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 8, 2025 at 8:31 PM

Breaking: Court Hears Argument in Bangor Christian Schools Case

First Liberty Institute Religious discrimination in Maine is still unconstitutional | January 8, 2025 Yesterday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit heard arguments in our Bangor Christian Schools case. We urged the First Circuit to reverse a lower court…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 4, 2025 at 3:01 PM

Wow! Look what's ahead

First Liberty Institute Get the inside scoop on what’s happening at First Liberty |   Dear John, What a great time to be battling for religious freedom! The new year has brought new opportunities in the fight for faith. And I am so thankful that you are fighting with us…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 3, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Busy January Ahead: 3 Major Cases We'll Argue This Month

First Liberty Institute In 2025, we’re in a position to win more cases and continue making an impact for religious freedom nationwide | Please Pray: First Liberty is Arguing 3 Big Cases This Month In 2025, we’re in a position to continue making an impact for r…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 1, 2025 at 2:31 AM

FW: Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute $600,000 matching grant doubles your impact | John, did you see this? If you haven’t, please take just a few moments to read the email below to learn how your year-end gift can make a huge impact. There are only a few hours left before the New Year. And…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2024 at 11:31 PM

Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute $600,000 matching grant doubles your impact | Dear John, 2024 has been an incredible year here at First Liberty. I just want to say thank you. So many faithful friends like you stepped up to the plate to join us in our efforts to secure the future…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2024 at 8:30 PM

Why We Fight

First Liberty Institute $600,000 matching grant doubles your impact | Dear John, In the fight for faith, there are no small victories. Winning a case can make a major impact in a neighborhood...a community...a state. It can even impact the nation as a whole. With our Sup…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2024 at 12:30 PM

The Heroes We Fight For

First Liberty Institute $600,000 matching grant doubles your impact | Dear John, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to double your impact in the fight for faith. Your gift will give us the means to protect religious freedom and deliver more hope in 2025. With less than 24 hours left …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM

What's Ahead in 2025?

First Liberty Institute Kelly Shackelford unpacks what’s ahead for First Liberty in 2025 | Dear John, As we close out December, we are looking ahead to the upcoming year. The challenges that lay ahead are daunting, and the stakes have never been higher. Throughout next ye…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 29, 2024 at 11:00 PM

A Work of the Heart

First Liberty Institute You make the difference in the fight for faith | December 29, 2024 Dear John, I have a special message of thanks from Pastor Chris Avell that I want to share with you. But first I want to thank you for your continued prayers and support. Through…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 27, 2024 at 12:31 PM

2025 Brings Historic Opportunities for Religious Freedom in America

First Liberty Institute New legal battles, ongoing cases and exciting prospects for the New Year | Together, Let’s Make 2025 Another Landmark Year  for Religious Freedom President & CEO Kelly Shackleford talks about new legal battles, ongoing cases and exc…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 26, 2024 at 8:00 PM

You Can Have an Even Bigger Impact

First Liberty Institute $100,000 increases this year’s matching grant to $600,000 | Dear John, All year long, you’ve heard me say that we have the opportunity to experience more religious freedom than most of us have had in our lifetimes. What does that really mean? It m…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 24, 2024 at 2:31 PM

Merry Christmas

First Liberty Institute A special Christmas message from Kelly Shackelford | Dear John, Merry Christmas from all of us here at First Liberty! Each year, Christmas fills me with joy, peace and hope. But somehow this year feels different. It’s like a dark cloud that’s been …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 22, 2024 at 11:00 PM

No One Should Be Fired for their Faith

First Liberty Institute Ron Hittle shares his story for the first time. | December 22, 2024 Dear John, Sometimes you just have to shake your head in disbelief. I mean, how often does an employer proclaim they are firing you for your faith? As unbelievable and illegal …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 21, 2024 at 4:01 PM

HISTORIC FIRST: Nativity Scene Displayed Outside U.S. Capitol

First Liberty Institute First Liberty’s Supreme Court victories bearing fruit, religious expression thriving nationwide | Dear John, With the holiday season underway and Christmas right around the corner, I recently came across something that really lifted my spirits. An…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 20, 2024 at 12:31 PM

December Wins: Student's Bible Club Approved, New Jersey Churches Get Favorable Ruling

First Liberty Institute Multiple victories are making this December a big month for religious freedom | New York School Reverses Course,  Approves Student Bible Club Elijah Nelson—our 8th grade client—got some great news just in time for the Christmas holiday.…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 19, 2024 at 6:01 PM

2024: The Year in Review

First Liberty Institute Hear about our Biggest and Best cases this year | Dear John, 2024 has been an incredible year for religious freedom. Together, we’ve stood strong in the fight for faith. This year alone, we’ve won for houses of worship, school Bible clubs, judge…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 17, 2024 at 5:30 PM

Blinded By Their Hate

First Liberty Institute Our $500,000 Matching Grant Delivers Double the Hope | Dear John, Christmas and Hannukah are just a week away. For most of us, we are rejoicing in a season full of light and a season filled with hope. But for the one’s we fight for – discriminatio…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 15, 2024 at 11:01 PM

Why Religious Discrimination Doesn't Fly

First Liberty Institute No one should be fired for their faith | December 15, 2024 Dear John, You know as well as I do that our clients are extraordinary people of faith. I’m constantly amazed and humbled by patriots like Lacey Smith who take heroic stands for their c…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 13, 2024 at 12:31 PM

The Crisis in Bryan, Ohio Continues

First Liberty Institute Help us keep the heat on city officials to stop them from forcing people into the freezing streets | The Crisis in Bryan, Ohio – Watch the Latest Video Update Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place and First Liberty’s Hiram Sasser provide th…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 12, 2024 at 12:52 AM

Breaking: Dad's Place Update

First Liberty Institute You will want to watch this video update. It is a must see. | Dear John, In Bryan, Ohio, you can feel the danger in the air. It’s not from the cold front that’s blowing in. The danger stems from the city’s leaders that are trying to force the m…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 10, 2024 at 8:03 PM

There's reason to hope

First Liberty Institute $500,000 Matching Grant Doubles Your Impact | Dear John, This is truly the season of hope. Neighborhoods all over town are brightly lit with some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations I’ve ever seen. Every time, as I am driving through them,…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 6, 2024 at 9:00 PM

Ohio Attorney General Joins Fight for Dad's Place

First Liberty Institute AG Dave Yost Files Brief to Stay Court’s Decision to “Prevent Imminent Harm” | December 6, 2024 This past Tuesday as many of us were preparing for the Christmas holidays, Pastor Chris Avell was on trial for keeping Dad’s Place Church open 24 hour…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 6, 2024 at 12:31 PM

City's Attacks on Dad's Place Church Will Kick People Out In Freezing Temperatures

First Liberty Institute Homeless will have to brave bitter winter with no shelter right before Christmas | Judge Orders Dad’s Place Church to  Kick Homeless Out on the Street Dad’s Place Church helps people in need by keeping the church doors open 24/7. A stat…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 5, 2024 at 11:26 PM

BREAKING: Judge Orders Church to Kick Out Homeless

First Liberty Institute City’s attacks on Dad’s Place Church will kick people out in freezing temperatures right before Christmas | December 5, 2024 We just received a troubling decision in our case involving Pastor Chris of Dad’s Place church in Bryan, Ohio. Their mini…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 5, 2024 at 7:01 PM

The Supreme Fight for Fire Chief Ron Hittle

First Liberty Institute $500,000 Matching Grant doubles your gift’s impact | Dear John, Each year as December begins, I try to avoid getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Instead, I like to pause and reflect on the past year to see God’s …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 4, 2024 at 2:01 AM

FW: Giving Tuesday is almost over

First Liberty Institute Don’t miss our $100,000 Challenge Grant | Giving Tuesday has just a few hours left. And if you’ve already given today, THANK YOU! If you haven’t, please take just a few moments to learn how your gift can make a huge impact in the fight for faith by read…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 3, 2024 at 8:08 PM

Stand with America's Pastors

First Liberty Institute Multiply your impact before midnight tonight | Dear John, What a tremendous blessing Giving Tuesday has been so far! Friends of First Liberty from all over the country have been standing with us today and making an incredible impact for the future…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM

$100,000 Giving Tuesday Challenge Grant Multiplies Your Impact

First Liberty Institute Off duty reservist punished for speaking at a retirement ceremony | Giving Tuesday is here, and there is no better cause to support than the God-given right of you and your family to continue to freely live out your faith. That’s why some generous…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 2, 2024 at 5:52 PM

You Can Make the Difference

First Liberty Institute $100,000 Giving Tuesday Challenge Grant multiplies the impact of your gift. |   Thank you for your continued prayers and support. All year long, you have been the true difference-maker in securing the future of religious freedom. Tomorrow, Decemb…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 1, 2024 at 11:00 PM

One Person Can Make a Difference

First Liberty Institute Faith can move a community | Dear John, Today, I would like to introduce you to Brody Ewing. Brody’s not a client or an attorney. And his faith isn’t under attack. Brody is a high school senior in West Virginia and the captain of his high school…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 29, 2024 at 12:30 PM

Time to Go on Offense: Bring Back Expressions of Faith to the Public Square

First Liberty Institute We’re challenging all Americans to restore religious freedom in their communities | Bringing Back Expressions of Faith to the Public Square Today, we have more religious freedom than we’ve had in 50 years. This holiday season, you can r…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 28, 2024 at 6:02 PM

We are thankful for you

First Liberty Institute May God bless you and keep you this Thanksgiving | Dear John, This Thanksgiving, you and I have much to be thankful for In the defense of religious freedom, we have fought the good fight for faith and have won. We’ve won for a school Bible club, …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 26, 2024 at 5:27 PM

A special treat for you

First Liberty Institute Melissa Klein has something tasty to share |   Dear John, It’s the week of Thanksgiving, and I have a question for you. What would you do if you had to choose between your faith or your business? That’s just what happened to Aaron and Melissa Kl…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 23, 2024 at 2:32 PM

Reclaiming Holiday Traditions

First Liberty Institute Menorahs and Nativities, yes you can! When a group of Moravians founded Bethlehem, PA on Christmas Eve in 1741, they did much more than establish a new town. They also established our country’s longstanding tradition of displaying nativity scenes dur…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 22, 2024 at 9:16 PM

BREAKING: Big Win for Arizona Church's Food Ministry

First Liberty Institute Federal court rejects hostile city officials’ attempt to get case dismissed | November 22, 2024 We just received a tremendous victory for Pastor Jose Castro and Gethsemani Baptist Church. City officials in San Luis, Arizona have been trying to sh…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 22, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Our Supreme Court Case is Getting Huge Support

First Liberty Institute Diverse religious groups urge Supreme Court to hear Fire Chief Ron Hittle’s case | Diverse Religious Groups Urge Supreme Court  to Hear Fire Chief Ron Hittle’s Case Several national organizations filed nine friend-of-the-court briefs su…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 21, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Three words that are changing everything

First Liberty Institute The victory in the Coach Kennedy case opens up the possibilities for public expressions of faith | History and Tradition. Thanks to the Kennedy decision at the Supreme Court, these three words are changing the ways that courts all over the coun…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 19, 2024 at 10:31 PM

This First Responder Needs Your Support

First Liberty Institute No one should be fired for their faith | November 19, 2024 Imagine serving faithfully as a first responder for over 20 years and then getting fired because you attended a leadership conference that was held at a church. That’s just what happene…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 15, 2024 at 12:31 PM

First Liberty Asks Supreme Court to Uphold Nation's First Religious Charter School

First Liberty Institute Oklahoma Catholic school denied public benefits simply because it's religious | First Liberty Asks Supreme Court to Uphold  Nation’s First Religious Charter School We filed a brief this week supporting St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Cat…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 14, 2024 at 7:45 PM

What are the California courts doing now?

First Liberty Institute A new matter for the U.S. Supreme Court | November 14, 2024 California has done it again. The state is once again sticking its nose where it does not constitutionally belong. This time, a California state court decided to bypass the Constitut…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 11, 2024 at 8:51 PM

Correction: Honoring their call to duty

First Liberty Institute Celebrating Veterans Day together |   John, Freedom. It comes at a high price. And no one has paid a higher price than the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. They have courageously stood for freedom in the darkest of times and i…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 11, 2024 at 8:30 PM

BREAKING: WIN for our Navy SEALs

First Liberty Institute Celebrating Veterans Day together |   John, Freedom. It comes at a high price. And no one has paid a higher price than the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. They have courageously stood for freedom in the darkest of times and i…

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