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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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 8, 2024 at 12:34 PM

Election Will Impact Religious Freedom, Supreme Court and Federal Judges

First Liberty Institute Second Trump administration can protect religious liberty for all Americans by building on its previous record. | What a Trump Presidency Means for Religious Freedom First Liberty President, CEO & Chief Counsel Kelly Shackelford dis…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 6, 2024 at 4:02 PM

America has spoken... What's next?

First Liberty Institute Kelly Shackelford analyzes last night’s results | November 6, 2024 America has changed course. Last night, Americans from coast-to-coast chose to return Former President Donald Trump to the White House. This morning, First Liberty’s Kelly Sha…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 1, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Judges & Religious Freedom: Two Major Issues Americans Must Consider When Voting

First Liberty Institute Vote on Election Day! Your religious liberty, the Supreme Court, and the rule of law are at stake. | Judges & Religious Freedom: Two Major Issues Americans Must Consider When Voting Tuesday is Election Day. As you look at the candid…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 31, 2024 at 6:02 PM

BREAKING: City Silences Faith Using Permit Scheme

First Liberty Institute South Carolina city freezing speech before it’s uttered. | October 31, 2024 On June 20, 2024, a police officer in Chapin, South Carolina approached Ernest Giardino and told him that he needed the city’s permission to continue what he was doin…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 4:35 PM

Will people of faith vote in November?

First Liberty Institute 41 million people of faith plan on sitting out this election | Elections matter. We seem to be told that at every turn. Yet for a nation that was founded on Christian principles, many evangelicals are turning their backs on their country, their civ…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 25, 2024 at 11:31 AM

South Carolina Town Says 'Permit Required' for Religious Expression on Public Sidewalks

First Liberty Institute Local resident can’t share faith or hold up religious sign unless town officials approve | South Carolina Town Says ‘Permit Required’  for Religious Expression on Public Sidewalks The Town of Chapin, South Carolina told Ernest Giardino …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 18, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Supreme Court Case Filed: Fire Chief Hittle Appeals to Nation's Highest Court

First Liberty Institute Huge religious freedom case that impacts every person of faith in the workplace | Fired California Fire Chief Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court We appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court our case involving Fire Chief Ron Hittle, who was fired fo…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 17, 2024 at 7:59 PM

BREAKING: City Threatens to Shut Down Church

First Liberty Institute Texas city says “voting cannot occur in any church building" | October 17, 2024 In September of 2023, Mayor Robert Margolis of Rowlett Texas made his discriminatory position clear on churches serving as voting locations when reacting to Dallas Co…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 15, 2024 at 10:05 PM

BREAKING: Fired California Fire Chief Appeals to U.S. Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Ron Hittle was fired over his religious beliefs. That’s illegal. We’re taking his case to the highest court in the country. |   We’re asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear Fire Chief Ron Hittle’s case. The city of Stockton, California fired Chief Hittle af…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 11, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Texas City Threatens to Close Church, Claims 'Voting Cannot Occur in Any Church Building'

First Liberty Institute City officials try to shut down church to keep it from serving as a voting location | Texas City Threatens to Close Church, Claims ‘Voting Cannot Occur in Any Church Building’ City officials in Rowlett, Texas don’t want Freedom Place Ch…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 10, 2024 at 5:01 PM

BREAKING: Fired Flight Attendants Take Discrimination Case to Federal Appeals Court

First Liberty Institute Alaska Airlines must be held accountable for firing our clients over their religious beliefs | October 10, 2024 We just took an important step forward in our Alaska Airlines case involving Lacey Smith and Marli Brown, the two flight attendants wh…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 7, 2024 at 8:06 PM

First Liberty Stars in AVERAGE JOE: Get your tickets

Not So AVERAGE JOE He might call himself an average Joe, but Coach Joe Kennedy is anything but ordinary. Following a 20-year career as a Marine, Joe became a high school football coach to help kids learn from the mistakes he had made growing up. In gratitude, he would pray at mid…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 4, 2024 at 5:06 PM

DC Tried to Force Religious First Responders to Violate Their Beliefs on the Job

First Liberty Institute First Liberty argues in federal court to defend Muslim & Jewish first responders | DC First Responders Argue in Federal Appeals Court  to Secure Their Religious Freedom We represent several Muslim and Jewish firefighters and parame…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 1, 2024 at 10:16 PM

First Look: Coach Kennedy walks the red carpet

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in October |   Dear John, October is starting off with a bang! Average Joe premieres in Hollywood tonight! And both Coach Joe Kennedy and First Liberty will be there for this major motion picture event.…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 27, 2024 at 7:40 PM

California School District Forces Gender Ideology on Christian Kids

First Liberty Institute Parents have a right to know what their children are learning, and to opt out if it contradicts their faith. | Gender Ideology Forced on Kids by California School District Fifth graders were forced to teach a book to kindergarteners th…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 26, 2024 at 4:31 PM

Between The Rock and No Place

First Liberty Institute First Liberty fights for church’s right to serve those in need | September 26, 2024 Dear John, Serving others. That’s the calling for many people of faith and houses of worship. They provide food for the hungry, clothes for those in need and …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 24, 2024 at 9:57 PM

Breaking: School District Forces Transgenderism on Students

First Liberty Institute First Liberty files lawsuit to protect religious beliefs of students. | September 24, 2024 Dear John, No child should be forced to speak a message that violates his or her religious convictions. Yet, that is exactly what’s happening at La Cos…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

September 20, 2024 at 11:31 AM

We're Taking Fire Chief Hittle's Case to the U.S. Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Will the Supreme Court agree to hear this major religious freedom case? | Fire Chief Terminated from His Job Will Soon  Appeal Case to the U.S. Supreme Court The U.S. Supreme Court begins hearing cases next month, but hasn’t yet agreed…

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