Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 9, 2026 at 12:31 PM

Pennsylvania Town Won't Let Catholic Church Build a Chapel

First Liberty Institute Federal lawsuit filed to stop town’s discriminatory restrictions | Pennsylvania Township Won’t Allow Church to Build a Chapel Collier Township is discriminating against Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church. We're suing the Township in…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM

You are a difference-maker

First Liberty Institute Thank you for faithful prayers and generous support |   Dear John, What an important time to stand together for religious freedom! The new year has brought fresh opportunities to defend faith, and I'm so grateful you're part of this mission with …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 2, 2026 at 12:31 PM

Big Challenges and Opportunities for Religious Freedom in 2026

First Liberty Institute A look at the ongoing and new legal battles coming up in the New Year | Big Challenges and Opportunities  for Religious Freedom in 2026 With a successful 2025 now in the books, we are looking ahead to the New Year. The challenges that l…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 1, 2026 at 2:31 AM

FW: Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute Last Chance to Double Your Gift and Double Your Impact | John, I wanted to make sure this reached you. If you have a few moments, please read the message below about how your year-end gift can make a meaningful difference in the fight for faith. With j…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2025 at 11:30 PM

Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute Last Chance to Double Your Gift and Double Your Impact | Dear John, You have made 2025 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 s…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2025 at 5:31 PM

Your Faith, Your Freedom

First Liberty Institute Only a FEW HOURS LEFT to DOUBLE your impact | Dear John, Freedom. Without you, it would be fleeting. This year alone, your faithful support has delivered victories for: A VA chaplain wanting to freely preach from the Bible, Two high school senior…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2025 at 12:30 PM

The Heroes We Fight For

First Liberty Institute This is the LAST DAY to DOUBLE your impact | Dear John, This is it—today is the last day your gift can be doubled in the fight for faith. A contribution made before midnight will strengthen our work to safeguard religious freedom and deliver more …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 30, 2025 at 6:01 PM

Find out how you can protect religious freedom in 2026

First Liberty Institute You only have one day left to double your impact with our $500,000 Matching Grant | Dear John, There are no two ways about it. You’ve made 2025 an incredible year. You helped deliver a Supreme Court victory that will impact parents across the coun…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 29, 2025 at 8:31 PM

Be a catalyst for freedom

First Liberty Institute Time is running out to DOUBLE your impact | Dear John, You did something remarkable this year. Because of your prayers and generosity, religious freedom won critical battles across America in 2025. You protected houses of worship, empowered parent…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 28, 2025 at 11:31 PM

You're the reason this fight can continue

First Liberty Institute Get the latest update on Connecticut schoolteacher Marisol Castro | Dear John, Setbacks happen in the fight for faith. Judges don’t always rule in our favor. While a loss is never a good thing, sometimes it can lead to an even bigger and better resu…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 26, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Merry Christmas from First Liberty

First Liberty Institute While You’re Celebrating Christmas, We’re Fighting For It. | Merry Christmas from First Liberty Merry Christmas! This year has been filled with many blessings and unprecedented opportunities. Hear more about it in a special message from…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 24, 2025 at 5:42 PM

Merry Christmas

First Liberty Institute We’re on the advent of making history | Dear John, Merry Christmas from all of us here at First Liberty! This Christmas, as we celebrate the One who secured our spiritual freedom, I want to share something with you... Hope is never distant — it arr…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM

New Scrooges Want to Spoil Christmas

First Liberty Institute We just launched three new cases aimed at protecting the Christmas Spirit. | December 23, 2025 It seems to happen this time every year. People full of the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge try to spoil the holidays by attacking religious expression in…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 21, 2025 at 11:01 PM

Your impact is being felt in Bryan, Ohio

First Liberty Institute Get the latest update on a crucial victory for Pastor Chris Avell | Dear John, I have a critical case update for you concerning Pastor Chris Avell. But first, I want to thank you for your continued prayers and support. Throughout 2025, you have been…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 19, 2025 at 12:15 PM

New York Village Axes Christmas Tree Fundraiser

First Liberty Institute Mayor won’t allow Catholic Church to continue 25-year Christmas tradition | Village Mayor in New York Axes  Christmas Tree Fundraiser at Catholic Church The Village of The Branch, New York says that St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church can…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 18, 2025 at 6:01 PM

What were our top cases in 2025?

First Liberty Institute Take a deep dive into the key victories that will help secure the future of religious freedom | December 18, 2025 Dear John, For all of 2025 you’ve been a difference-maker in the fight for faith. You’ve helped deliver critical victories for hou…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 16, 2025 at 5:31 PM

Impacting Tomorrow Today

First Liberty Institute Boldly standing for faith today is the only path for securing the future of religious freedom| Dear John, Faith can move mountains. And that’s just what your faith has done. Because of your prayers and ongoing support, some of the biggest roadblocks…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 14, 2025 at 11:15 PM

PREMIERE: Watch Our First Liberty

First Liberty Institute Learn how and why the Constitution and Bill of Rights came about | December 14, 2025 Dear John, Tomorrow is Bill of Rights Day. And in conjunction with that, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of the third animated video in our Founders Trilog…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Fighting for Faith in the Military

First Liberty Institute The Fourth Religious Liberty Commission Discusses Faith in the Armed Forces | Faith for Generations: Clients and Friends of First Liberty Share About Faith in the Armed Forces at the Commission The fourth Religious Liberty Commission he…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 11, 2025 at 6:01 PM

Grilled, but in a Good Way

First Liberty Institute Analyzing our day at the Supreme Court | Dear John, Last week, we were privileged to present Gabe Olivier’s case at the Supreme Court. And I can tell you that when it came time to argue Gabe’s case, the justices were highly engaged. So much so th…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 11, 2025 at 3:50 PM

BREAKING: Supreme Court Delivers Major Victory for Parents

First Liberty Institute Justices rule in favor of parents | December 11, 2025 We just won a huge victory for parental rights. On Monday, the United States Supreme Court said “No” to the State of New York’s attempt to force an Amish community to vaccinate their school-…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 9, 2025 at 5:31 PM

Our 2025 Annual Report is Here!

First Liberty Institute Only one way to describe this year: UNPRECEDENTED | Dear John, Wow, what a year it’s been for First Liberty! There is only one word that can really describe 2025: Unprecedented. With God’s grace and your support, we are expanding religious freedom in ways…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 5, 2025 at 12:31 PM

We Argued a Supreme Court Case This Week

First Liberty Institute What happened at our big court date for evangelist Gabe Olivier? | First Liberty Argues Major Case at the U.S. Supreme Court  on Behalf of Mississippi Evangelist Led by our volunteer attorney Allyson Ho of the law firm Gibson Dunn, we m…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 3, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Live! From the Steps of the Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Today’s Oral Argument for Gabe Olivier Starts at 8:45 AM CST | Dear John, In just a few hours, we will be fighting at the U.S. Supreme Court for the constitutional right of every American to have their case heard in a court of law. Starting at 8:45 AM CST…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 3, 2025 at 2:39 AM

FWD: Giving Tuesday ends in just a few hours

First Liberty Institute Your gift today can secure your first liberty for generations to come | Dear John, 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…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 2, 2025 at 10:30 PM

Giving Tuesday ends in just a few hours

First Liberty Institute Your gift today can secure your first liberty for generations to come | Dear John, There are just a few hours left to make your Giving Tuesday gift and multiply your impact with our $100,000 Challenge Grant. So far, it’s been an incredible Giving Tuesday…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 2, 2025 at 5:02 PM

Be a Force Multiplier for Religious Freedom

First Liberty Institute $100,000 Challenge Grant Ends at Midnight Tonight | Dear John, What a tremendous blessing Giving Tuesday has been so far! Friends from coast-to-coast have been standing with us today and making an incredible impact for the future of religious freedom. If…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 2, 2025 at 12:31 PM

$100,000 Giving Tuesday Challenge Grant Multiplies Your Impact

First Liberty Institute It’s time to show your support for faith and freedom | Dear John, Giving Tuesday is here, and there is no better cause to support than your God-given right to freely live out your faith. That’s why some generous friends of First Liberty put together a $1…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM

Will you stand for your first liberty?

First Liberty Institute $100,000 Challenge Grant multiplies your impact this Giving Tuesday |   Dear John, 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, Dec…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 30, 2025 at 11:31 PM

Standing for the Future of Freedom

First Liberty Institute Gabe Olivier tells his story | November 30, 2025 Dear John, For more than 40 years, Frank Jenner stood at a busy corner on St. George Street in Sydney, Australia passing out Gospel tracks. He did that every day until he had shared the message w…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 28, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Come With Us to the Supreme Court Next Wednesday?

First Liberty Institute Please pray. We’re only a few days away from a major hearing at the nation’s highest court. | Dec. 3 Supreme Court Argument:  Please Pray for First Liberty & Our Client, Gabe Olivier We’ll be arguing at the nation’s highest court th…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 27, 2025 at 4:01 PM

Thankful for You

First Liberty Institute A special message of thanksgiving from Gabe Olivier | November 27, 2025 Dear John, Today, we are especially thankful for the courageous stands our clients take to defend our first liberty. Without them, our right to freely live out our faith wou…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 25, 2025 at 5:31 PM

They handcuffed him for sharing his faith

First Liberty Institute Gabe Olivier is fighting back at the Supreme Court | November 25, 2025 Dear John, Thanksgiving is just a few days away. And this year one of the things we are most thankful for is the opportunity to argue a critical case at the Supreme Court. I…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 21, 2025 at 8:34 PM

BREAKING: State Court Rules Church Can Keep Ministering to City's Most Vulnerable

First Liberty Institute Big win for Pastor Chris Avell & Dad’s Place Church in Bryan Ohio | November 21, 2025 We just secured a big win for Pastor Chris Avell and Dad’s Place Church in Bryan, Ohio. Today, a panel of judges on the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 21, 2025 at 12:16 PM

Want to Know How We Win Supreme Court Cases?

First Liberty Institute Insights from top appellate litigator Allyson Ho, who will argue our Supreme Court case on Dec. 3 | How to Win a Supreme Court Case?  Top Appellate Litigator Allyson Ho Shares Her Insights Allyson Ho is one of America’s best lawyers, wi…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM

An insider's look at what it's like to argue a case at the Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Volunteer attorney Allyson Ho shares her experiences at our nation’s highest court with you | Dear John, Allyson Ho is one of our nation’s top constitutional attorneys. For lawyers like me, she is a household name. Allyson is co-chair of the Appe…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM

BREAKING: Supreme Court Declines to Hear Christian School Prayer Case

First Liberty Institute Lower court ruling stands, giving government power to ban prayer in public places | November 18, 2025 The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear our Cambridge Christian School case. The Florida State Athletic Association barred Cambridge Christian and …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 14, 2025 at 12:31 PM

Tennessee School Rejects Students' Faith-Based Sports Club

First Liberty Institute First Liberty protects two students’ rights to start faith-based sports clubs at their schools | Tennessee School Says ‘No’ to a Faith-Based Sports Club This week, we sent a letter to the Smith County Board of Education informing the Bo…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM

Please pray for Victory at the Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute The outcome of this Supreme Court case will impact the civil rights of all Americans, religious or not. | Join Us on the Frontlines of this FightPray for Victory at the Supreme Court Dear John, In less than a month, we’ll be arguing a critical …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 10, 2025 at 11:37 PM

BREAKING: Big Federal Court Win for Religious Families in California

First Liberty Institute School district dismisses appeal, agrees to give parents notice and opt-outs from radical gender ideology materials | November 10, 2025 We just secured a big victory in our federal appeals court case involving the Encinas family—an important …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 7, 2025 at 12:15 PM

First Liberty Sues Violent Agitators Who Disrupted California Church's Worship Services

First Liberty Institute “Code Pink” agitators infiltrate church, shout slurs and terrorize congregants | First Liberty Sues Violent Agitators Who  Disrupted Christian & Jewish Worship Services We’re representing The Mission Church in Carlsbad and the Chri…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 6, 2025 at 6:01 PM

The Rights of Those Who Choose to Serve

First Liberty Institute It’s our honor to fight for our service members’ First Freedom | People often think that our service members forfeit their rights when they enlist. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Service members are entitled to the same First Amendment …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM

Supreme Count Down

First Liberty Institute We’re less than 30 days from Oral Argument at the Supreme Court |   Dear John, In less than 30 days, we will be in Washington D.C. to argue before the justices at the U.S. Supreme Court. On December 3rd, we will argue on behalf of Gabe Olivier. A…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 3, 2025 at 11:43 PM

BREAKING: Federal Court Rules Against Catholic Schoolteacher

First Liberty Institute Judge sides with school district’s punishment of a veteran teacher | November 3, 2025 Today, a federal district court issued an alarming ruling against 30-year veteran teacher, Marisol Arroyo-Castro. The court upheld a public school’s punishm…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 31, 2025 at 11:31 AM

The Countdown to America's 250th Birthday Has Begun

First Liberty Institute Celebrating religious liberty: the freedom that started it all! | Religious Liberty: The Freedom That Started It All On Monday, Oct. 27—which marked 250 days until America’s 250th birthday on July 4—we launched a major campaign about r…

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  Dave Holmes · [email protected]

October 30, 2025 at 4:01 PM

Rebuilding the Fortress of Liberty

First Liberty Institute How you can leave a legacy like Nehemiah’s | October 30, 2025 Dear John, Our First Freedom, religious freedom, is like a great wall that protects all of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. It’s what keeps us free. When I think about it in …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM

Major announcement...

First Liberty Institute 250 Days to Celebrate 250 Years | October 27, 2025 In 1776, America declared independence—but more importantly, we declared something greater: Our rights come from God, not government. That idea changed the world. And it’s what we’re honoring i…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM

We're Going Back to the Supreme Court on Dec. 3

First Liberty Institute Six weeks away: Mississippi evangelist’s case set for argument | U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear  Mississippi Evangelist’s Case on Dec. 3 A court date is set for our case involving Gabriel Olivier. It’s only six weeks away, meaning Gabe a…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 22, 2025 at 10:56 PM

Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State

First Liberty Institute A new movie about our friends at LifeWise Academy | October 22, 2025 You might be surprised to learn that thousands of public-school students are going off campus every day for religious instruction during school hours. How is that possible? Pr…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 20, 2025 at 10:30 PM

BREAKING: Supreme Court Will Hear Our Case on Dec. 3

First Liberty Institute Six weeks away: Mississippi evangelist’s case set for argument | October 20, 2025 Dear John, Big announcement! The U.S. Supreme Court will hear our case involving Mississippi evangelist Gabriel Olivier on Wednesday, December 3rd. This is a ma…

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