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First Liberty Institute

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 5, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Does Gov't Have the Power to Pick Your Church's Pastor?

First Liberty Institute We just argued a big case in federal appeals court. It’s churches who should choose their leaders, not the government. | Churches Have a Right to Choose Their Leaders,  First Liberty Argues in Federal Appeals Court Alongside our volunt…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 2, 2024 at 7:01 PM

First Look: Arizona city turns hostile towards food ministry

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in April |   A new month...a new case. First Liberty is representing Pastor Jose Castro and Gethsemani Baptist Church of San Luis, AZ in a case that makes you want to shake your head and ask “Why?” Righ…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 29, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Easter & Passover: This is what religious freedom in America is all about

First Liberty Institute Our First Freedom is worth fighting for. Without it, would we truly be free? | Easter & Passover Remind Us Why  Religious Freedom is Worth Fighting For In the next few weeks, Christian and Jewish Americans will celebrate two of the…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 26, 2024 at 4:41 PM

Kicked out of school for their faith...Not on our watch!

First Liberty Institute State sponsored discrimination is running out of control in California |   Dear John, Defiance... We’re seeing a lot that going on right now. It’s happening in Maine in our Bangor Christian Schools case. And it’s happening in California in our C…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 22, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Another city punishing a good Samaritan?

First Liberty Institute This church feeds 300 families. But San Luis, Arizona officials won’t let their ministry continue. | Arizona City Won’t Let This Church Feed the Hungry Pastor Jose Castro and Gethsemani Baptist Church have operated a food ministry for …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 19, 2024 at 4:39 PM

BREAKING: Arizona City Won't Let Church Feed the Hungry

First Liberty Institute San Luis city officials harass Pastor who cares for his community | March 19, 2024 Pastor Jose Castro leads Gethsemani Baptist Church in San Luis, Arizona. The church has operated a food ministry for 25 years, distributing hundreds of thousands o…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 15, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Can religious workers challenge mandatory "diversity" training?

First Liberty Institute First Liberty attorney explains the law and why employers must take religious accommodation requests seriously | Can Religious Employees Challenge Mandated DEI Trainings? Do you work for a woke company? Are you mandated to attend DEI t…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 8, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Our fight for religious schools continues

First Liberty Institute In California and Maine, families need your help. States keep discriminating against parents who choose a religious education. | The Fight for Religious Schools in Maine is Far from Over A federal district court ruled against our clien…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 7, 2024 at 8:32 PM

A frustrating loss in Maine

First Liberty Institute You can help turn this loss into a victory |   Dear John, We’re told to give thanks in everything...That’s not always easy to do. Sometimes, things don’t go the way that you think they should. And that can be quite frustrating. But God has an incredible…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 2, 2024 at 3:06 PM

First Look: Is freedom in our schools crumbling?

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in March |   Protecting religious liberty in schools for students and their families, teachers, and even board members continues to be a critical battleground for our nation. Let me share with you just …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
March 1, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Hulu quickly reverses course, approves church ad promoting worship service

First Liberty Institute Now on Hulu: Hulen Street Church ad promoting Thursday night service | Hulu Quickly Reverses Course, Approves Church Ad Promoting Worship Service Thanks to you, Hulen Street Church in Fort Worth, Texas can now promote its Thursday nigh…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 27, 2024 at 9:01 PM

BREAKING: Big Tech Company Lashes Out at Faith

First Liberty Institute Hulu rejects church ad, calls it “religious indoctrination” | February 27, 2024 Hulen Street Church serves its local community in Fort Worth, Texas. Recognizing that a significant and growing number of people in their local area work on Sunda…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 23, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Thanks to you, this biology professor is getting his job back

First Liberty Institute College will reinstate professor who was fired for teaching basic biology | Biology Professor Gets His Job Back Your gift to First Liberty has real impact, for real Americans. Our client, Dr. Johnson Varkey, is getting his job back aft…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 20, 2024 at 8:31 PM

BREAKING: Dr. Varkey gets his job back!

First Liberty Institute College reinstates professor who was fired for teaching basic biology | February 20, 2024 Great news! We just won one of our cases. Our client, Dr. Johnson Varkey, is getting his job back. St. Philip’s College in San Antonio fired him a year …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 16, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Hawaii Rabbi fined $40,000 for worshipping at home

First Liberty Institute Persecution in paradise? County officials punish Jewish community for religious gatherings at home | Hawaii Rabbi Harassed for Hosting Religious  Gatherings at Home Rabbi Levi Gerlitzky lives on the Big Island of Hawaii. He’s facing mo…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 15, 2024 at 11:31 PM

BREAKING: U.S. Navy SEALs get another win in federal court

First Liberty Institute Federal judge says the case is not moot, can move forward to a final resolution | February 15, 2024 Great news! We just got a favorable ruling in our U.S. Navy SEALs case. A federal district court denied the government’s attempt to have the c…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 9, 2024 at 8:01 PM

BREAKING: Criminal charges for Ohio pastor dropped

First Liberty Institute No jail time for the pastor of this 24/7 ministry | February 9, 2024 Great news! City officials in Bryan, Ohio agreed to drop all criminal charges against Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place Church. Pastor Chris faced nearly two dozen charges. Why?…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 9, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Another military hero's career is saved...thanks to YOU!

First Liberty Institute Maine Air National Guard member will not be punished for his religious expression | You Just Helped Save Another Military Hero’s Career Your gift to First Liberty is changing the lives of America’s service members. Because of you, Matt…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
February 2, 2024 at 12:30 PM

Will Christian bakers finally get a sweet taste of victory?

First Liberty Institute Case update: Sweet Cakes by Melissa case argued in state court | Sweet Cakes by Melissa Update:  Christian Bakers’ Case Argued in State Court After a 10-year legal battle, will Aaron and Melissa Klein finally get to taste a sweet and f…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 31, 2024 at 7:01 PM

First Look: The Case Being Heard Around the Country

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in February |   A pastor is being criminally charged for opening his church doors to those in need. It’s not happening in China or another repressive country. It’s happening RIGHT HERE in America, in th…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 30, 2024 at 10:27 PM

BREAKING: The Kleins just presented oral argument

First Liberty Institute Listen in on the Oregon Court of Appeals | January 30, 2024 Today, First Liberty volunteer attorneys argued before the Oregon Court of Appeals on behalf of Christian bakers Aaron and Melissa Klein. The Kleins, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 26, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Legal fight for Dad's Place Church in Bryan, Ohio is just beginning...

First Liberty Institute Update on our federal lawsuit and court hearing this week. Plus, March court date coming up. | Legal Fight for Dad’s Place Church in Bryan, Ohio  is Just Beginning This week, we filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Bryan, Ohio f…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 25, 2024 at 5:32 PM

Victory for God's people

First Liberty Institute More opportunities to fight for religious freedom ahead | Right now, antisemitism is on the rise. Jewish people in America are facing newly sparked opposition thanks to the ongoing conflict in Israel. But because of faithful supporters like you, we hav…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 22, 2024 at 11:17 PM

BREAKING: We just filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Bryan, Ohio

First Liberty Institute Discrimination against Dad’s Place Church is ILLEGAL, we’re taking this matter to federal court | January 22, 2024 We just filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Bryan, Ohio. City officials are using law enforcement to force our client …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 19, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Alaska Airlines' hostile work environment

First Liberty Institute Woke airline treats religious Americans as second class citizens | Alaska Airlines Really Dislikes Religious Employees,  Court Brief Argues We filed an important motion this week in our Alaska Airlines case. It presents a vast amount o…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 18, 2024 at 5:31 PM

Pastor charged with too much compassion

First Liberty Institute We’re standing up for this caring Pastor | This week on First Liberty Live! we are talking with Pastor Chris Avell about why he is being criminally charged for opening his church to minister to the underserved people in his town. The city of Bryan, Ohi…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 12, 2024 at 12:31 PM

Is it criminal to keep a church open?

First Liberty Institute First Liberty defends pastor in court, pleads "not guilty" to criminal charges | Pastor Arraigned, Charged With ‘Criminal’ Activity  of Opening Church 24/7 We went to court Thursday to defend Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place. He’s fac…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 6, 2024 at 3:01 PM

First Look: Our New Year's resolution is MORE freedom

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in January |   The ball has dropped. The crowds have gone home. And the confetti has been cleaned up. 2024 is well underway and thanks to your support we’re back to fighting for what matters most. As ma…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 5, 2024 at 12:31 PM

What if the government told you how to raise your kids?

First Liberty Institute Supreme Court asked to hear vital case involving parental rights and religious freedom | Will Supreme Court Protect Parents Who Want to Raise Children Consistent with Their Faith? We filed a brief at the U.S. Supreme Court this week ar…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 3, 2024 at 8:01 PM

Ohio Pastor CHARGED for Opening Church Doors to the Homeless

First Liberty Institute Facing 18+ criminal violations, police showed up to church last Sunday | January 3, 2024 Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place—a church in Bryan, Ohio—is facing criminal charges. Why? Because Pastor Chris opened his church 24 hours a day, 7 days…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
January 1, 2024 at 2:31 AM

FWD: Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   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 befo…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 31, 2023 at 11:32 PM

Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   Dear John, 2023 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 effort…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 31, 2023 at 8:31 PM

The Dangers We Face

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   Dear John, I like to say that there are no small victories in the fight for faith. Winning a case can make a major impact in a neighborhood...a community...a state. It can even im…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 31, 2023 at 12:31 PM

The Heroes We Fight For

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   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 2024. With less tha…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 30, 2023 at 2:01 PM

Why There Is Still Work To Do

First Liberty Institute Just ONE DAY Left to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   Dear John, Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Throughout 2023, you have been the catalyst for securing the future of religious freedom. Tomorrow, December …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 29, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Hope for 2024, but the fight is not over

First Liberty Institute Plenty of battles ahead and opportunities to impact the future of our country | There’s Hope for Religious Freedom in 2024,  But the Fight’s Not Over What a remarkable year it’s been for religious liberty in America! President, CEO &am…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 28, 2023 at 5:34 PM

First Liberty Live! What's Ahead in 2024

First Liberty Institute Watch Kelly Shackelford unpack what’s ahead for First Liberty in 2024 | As we close out December, we begin to look ahead to the upcoming year. The challenges that lay ahead are daunting, and the stakes have never been higher. In 2024, we’ll be facing o…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 27, 2023 at 7:01 PM

Third Time's a Charm?

First Liberty Institute After 10 years, the Kleins are still fighting for faith |   Dear John, More than a decade ago, Aaron and Melissa Klein declined to design and create a custom cake to celebrate a same-sex wedding. They believed that creating a cake to celebrate …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 26, 2023 at 5:31 PM

It's Because They're Jewish

First Liberty Institute Jewish family faces hostility and discrimination from Florida HOA |   Dear John, Sometimes, it is hard to imagine how someone could hate so much. When I learned of the plight of Rabbi Naftaly Hertzel and his family, that’s all I could think abo…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 23, 2023 at 3:03 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! This Christmas, as we celebrate the one who makes our spiritual freedom possible, there is one message that I want to leave …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 22, 2023 at 12:31 PM

2023 Year in Review: What a huge difference you're making!

First Liberty Institute 2 Supreme Court wins in 1 year + MANY more triumphs nationwide to celebrate | A Remarkable Year of Victories and Blessings, Thanks to Your Support You’re playing an important role in bringing significant change for religious freedom in…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 21, 2023 at 5:31 PM

First Liberty Live! The Year in Review

First Liberty Institute Hear about our Biggest and Best cases this year | 2023 has been an incredible year for religious freedom. Together, we’ve completely changed the landscape in the fight for faith. This year alone, we’ve won for houses of worship, synagogues, health care…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 19, 2023 at 5:31 PM

Why There Is Reason for Hope

First Liberty Institute Don’t allow the enemies of faith to steal your freedom |   Dear John, The fight to defend religious freedom is never easy. Let’s face it. We have gone through many trials together this year. The Constitution and our First Amendment rights seem …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 17, 2023 at 11:30 PM

A True Leap of Faith

First Liberty Institute Learn why Kelley Mclean fights for religious freedom | December 17, 2023 Dear John, Have you ever thought you had God’s plan for your life figured out only to have Him take you in a different direction? The truth is that sometimes God uses the jo…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 15, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Public Buses Reject Religious Ads

First Liberty Institute Washington Metro Area Transit Authority refuses to run ads on America’s founding | Ads About America’s Religious History  Not Allowed on Public Buses? The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority rejected several ads submitted by WallBu…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 14, 2023 at 5:31 PM

Faith from a Candy Cane

First Liberty Institute Learn about our biggest holiday cases | It’s getting close to Christmas and that means that First Liberty is celebrating the best way we know how - by recapping our greatest holiday victories! Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO and Chief Counsel, joins …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 13, 2023 at 6:03 PM

Why There Is Reason for Concern

First Liberty Institute Learn what the radical Left has in store for the Supreme Court |   Dear John, There’s no two ways about it. This has been a difficult year. And I’m troubled by it. But this year hasn’t been difficult for the reasons that you might think. Thanks…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 12, 2023 at 9:38 PM

Breaking: Hypocritical Ad Policy Challenged

First Liberty Institute New Lawsuit against D.C. Transit Authority for violating the First Amendment | December 12, 2023 The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) seems to have a problem with the First Amendment. WMATA is preventing WallBuilders, a…
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 10, 2023 at 11:31 PM

Accepting the Call

First Liberty Institute Learn why Lea Patterson fights for religious freedom | December 10, 2023 Dear John, Finding God’s direction for your life isn’t always an easy thing to do. That's exactly Lea Patterson’s story: seeking God’s path. As a student, she was convinced …
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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
December 8, 2023 at 8:50 PM

BREAKING: Victory for Houses of Worship in New York

First Liberty Institute First Amendment prohibits New York firearm ban in houses of worship according to the Second Circuit Court | December 8, 2023 We just received some amazing news that will impact houses of worship throughout the state of New York. Today, the Un…
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