50+ Messages / Page

  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 19, 2024 at 1:01 PM

This is the future of faith and freedom

First Liberty Institute June 25th is First Freedom Day |   Dear John, I love summers at First Liberty. They fill me with hope. Hope because our internship and fellowship programs are in full swing, and our office is full of some of the best young minds in the country. …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 16, 2024 at 11:01 PM

The heart behind what we do

First Liberty Institute A true servant leader defending your liberty | June 16, 2024 Dear John, The enemies of faith have been attacking patriots like never before. So many Americans have been impacted by the stripping away of our constitutional freedoms in 2024. An…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 14, 2024 at 11:31 AM

WATCH THE TRAILER: 'Average Joe' Movie About Coach Joe Kennedy

First Liberty Institute There’s a movie coming out Oct. 10 about former First Liberty client Coach Joe Kennedy. | Official Teaser Trailer:  ‘Average Joe’ Movie About Coach Joe Kennedy There’s a movie coming out this fall about former First Liberty client Coac…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 13, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Why is the Left Attacking Us?

First Liberty Institute We won’t back down in the fight for religious liberty for all Americans… | June 13, 2024 Dear John, The enemies of faith are taking notice: people of faith are standing up for their beliefs and winning back their constitutional freedoms. And …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 11, 2024 at 5:16 PM

Because of God's Favor...

First Liberty Institute Don’t miss the 2nd Annual First Freedom Day! |   Dear John, In just a few weeks—on June 30—First Liberty will wrap up another year on the frontlines of the battle defending your First Amendment right to freely exercise your faith. This year has …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 7, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Trump's Guilty Verdict is a Threat to the Rule of Law

First Liberty Institute Kelly Shackelford explains: Trump verdict could set a dangerous precedent & eventually harm religious liberty | What Trump’s Guilty Verdict Means for the Rule of Law President, CEO & Chief Counsel Kelly Shackelford explains how…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 6, 2024 at 5:01 PM

Where is the future of faith and freedom headed?

First Liberty Institute A NEW initiative that spreads hope for tomorrow | June 6, 2024 Dear John, Right now, there’s a war waging over our culture. And many of us feel like we can’t make a difference in this fight. But that is the furthest thing from the truth. A gr…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 4, 2024 at 4:37 PM

The Resolve to Stand

First Liberty Institute New $400,000 Challenge Grant maximizes the impact of your gift |   Dear John, People of faith are the backbone of this country. We believe that our inalienable rights come from God, that our Constitution was put in place to secure the blessings …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
June 1, 2024 at 1:31 PM

First Look: An intense battle for your freedom is brewing

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in June |   We are coming off of one of the busiest weeks in First Liberty’s history and entering an intense month of battles for your religious freedom. God has really blessed us with a huge opportunit…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 31, 2024 at 11:31 AM

California City Says Chaplains Can't Pray in Jesus' Name

First Liberty Institute City says police & fire chaplains’ prayers were a form of “harassment.” | California City Orders Police & Fire Chaplains to  Stop Praying ‘In Jesus’ Name’ Carlsbad’s city manager told two government chaplains they could pray us…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM

We just had our BUSIEST week fighting for religious liberty

First Liberty Institute Our unexpected & abundant week at First Liberty | Dear John, In my 35 years in the fight for faith and freedom, I can honestly say that First Liberty has never had a week busier than last week! We had some major wins come through by God’s grace, as …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 25, 2024 at 1:35 PM

BREAKING: Win for banned bus ads in D.C.

First Liberty Institute A step towards protecting religious liberty | May 25, 2024 We’re celebrating a victory in our nation’s capital! Judge Howell of the U.S. District Court for D.C. ordered the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to accept and run …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 24, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Victory: Catholic Group Will Be Able to Hold Memorial Day Mass at Cemetery

First Liberty Institute Great news for the Knights of Columbus. National Park Service says they can hold annual religious service at Poplar Grove National Cemetery. | Victory: Catholic Group Will Be Allowed to  Hold Memorial Day Mass at Cemetery Great news fo…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 23, 2024 at 8:01 PM

BREAKING: Federal judge rules against religious flight attendants

First Liberty Institute Court issues alarming opinion giving employers power to punish religious workers | May 23, 2024 We just had a disturbing loss in our case involving Lacey Smith hand Marli Brown, the two flight attendants that were fired for their religious belief…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 22, 2024 at 4:01 PM

BREAKING: Park officials block Memorial Day mass

First Liberty Institute No religious services in this cemetery? | May 22, 2024 Government officials in Petersburg, Virginia are preventing a special Memorial Day mass from being held in Poplar Grove National Cemetery. This service has been held annually by the Knights o…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 21, 2024 at 8:45 PM

Remembering the fallen this Memorial Day

First Liberty Institute Honoring the brave that gave the ultimate sacrifice | With Memorial Day less than a week away, we wanted to take a few minutes to honor those who have bravely defended our country. This weekend is a time to remember and pray for those who have made…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 17, 2024 at 11:15 PM

BREAKING: Update on Israel Summit in Nashville

First Liberty Institute Conference to be hosted by Dave Ramsey | May 17, 2024 The first Israel Summit, organized and sponsored by the ministry HaYovel, is back on. This pro-Israel gathering is now set to be hosted by radio personality Dave Ramsey at Ramsey Event Cen…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 17, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Radical Left Spending $10 Million to Reform Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Their goal? To push a radical agenda and make a brazen power grab. | Radical Left Spending $10 Million to End Filibuster &  Rebuild Supreme Court A coalition of groups says it will spend millions to convince Americans that the Sena…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 14, 2024 at 8:16 PM

Nashville hotel misrepresents terrorist threats

First Liberty Institute City's Police Chief sets the record straight | May 14, 2024 Dear John, I want to provide you with a quick update on the action we took yesterday against the Sonesta Nashville Airport hotel on behalf of the HaYovel ministry. The hotel illegall…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 13, 2024 at 9:48 PM

BREAKING: Pro-Israel Summit CANCELED by terrorist threats

First Liberty Institute Hotel breaches contract to host event | May 13, 2024 The Sonesta Nashville Airport hotel is illegally canceling the first Israel Summit, a conference of pro-Israel supporters who are fighting for Israel’s national sovereignty. The conference incl…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 10, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Congregant died alone after a seizure. City officials said he couldn't stay at Dad's Place Church.

First Liberty Institute City Mayor’s appalling harassment of church and pastor is costing lives | Congregant Dies After Seizure.  City Wouldn't Let Him Stay at Dad’s Place Church. In Bryan, Ohio, the city’s ongoing crusade to shut down Pastor Chris Avell and …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 9, 2024 at 5:06 PM

Al Mohler: faith, freedom and the 2024 election

First Liberty Institute Why civic engagement is crucial for our nation |   This election season is critical for our nation. And it’s up to us to seize this opportunity to make an impact for faith and freedom. Our children and grandchildren need to know that we fought…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 8, 2024 at 9:30 PM

BREAKING: Seattle School Approves 5th Grader's Prayer Club

First Liberty Institute Encouraging victory for our client Laura, who will be able to pray with classmates and friends | May 8, 2024 Great news! We just secured a win for our client Laura, a 5th grade student at Creekside Elementary School, near Seattle. The Issaqua…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 7, 2024 at 4:01 PM

First Look: Churches and pastors being attacked... in America?

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in May |   We are witnessing some unbelievable attacks against our nation’s houses of worship. America’s faith leaders are facing ridiculous discrimination for honoring God and organizing ministries to …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 3, 2024 at 11:31 AM

City violates court order, files criminal charges against pastor

First Liberty Institute Police showed up at Dad’s Place Church at 5:30 am, then pastor gets hit with criminal charges | City Violates Court Order,  Files Criminal Charges Against Pastor (Again!) The city of Bryan, Ohio sent police and fire officials at 5:30 a…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
May 2, 2024 at 5:06 PM

YOU have a right to get involved in Election 2024

First Liberty Institute Your values belong in the ballot box | Dear John, Today as we gather together for the National Day of Prayer, I have an urgent prayer request for you. I’m requesting that you not only pray for our nation, but also for this year’s election and the candida…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 30, 2024 at 4:01 PM

Radical Threats to the Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Extremist are staging a Supreme Court Coup |   Dear John, When our founding fathers divided our government into 3 equal branches, they did so to limit the government’s power and to safeguard our freedoms. Our founders established a government of…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 26, 2024 at 8:51 PM

BREAKING: Ohio pastor faces criminal charges once again

First Liberty Institute City violates court order, resumes harassment of pastor for keeping church open 24/7 | April 26, 2024 City officials in Bryan, Ohio just filed criminal charges against Pastor Chris Avell…AGAIN. They simply will not stop harassing Dad’s Place …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 26, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Biden Admin Proposal Would Destroy Religious Freedom for Students

First Liberty Institute Proposals to change Title IX would harm thousands of religious students | Biden Administration Rule Threatens  Religious Liberty for Thousands of Students The Department of Education’s proposed changes to Title IX threaten religious fr…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 25, 2024 at 5:01 PM

LifeWise Academy gives free Bible classes

First Liberty Institute 30,000 students’ lives changed for the better | April 25, 2024 A beacon of faith and hope is shining out of the state of Ohio - and traveling nationwide. It’s making a huge difference in the lives of thousands of students. First Liberty clien…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 19, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Watch now: a message every American should hear

First Liberty Institute How to save America? It starts with the church standing up for truth, faith and freedom | Kelly Shackelford Speaks at 3 Church Services in San Diego In this compelling message, our President & CEO shares about the ongoing battle fo…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 18, 2024 at 5:02 PM

BREAKING: First Liberty defends banned barn church service

First Liberty Institute Stopped from worship in his own backyard? | April 18, 2024 For the third time, First Liberty is facing off against city officials for taking an unconstitutional approach to shut down a house of worship. These city officials are abusing their …
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 12, 2024 at 11:30 AM

Public School Says 'NO' to 5th Grader's Prayer Club

First Liberty Institute School rejects student's interfaith prayer club, yet allows Pride Club and Green Team. That's wrong and illegal. | School Says ‘NO’ to Student’s Prayer Club,  But Allows Many Other Clubs Laura is a 5th grader who wants to start an inte…
  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]
April 11, 2024 at 5:05 PM

School Administrators in Washington State Still Don't Like Prayer

First Liberty Institute Principal refuses to allow student interfaith prayer club | April 11, 2024 Just a short distance from where Coach Kennedy took a knee in prayer, another Washington state public school has decided to block prayer. It seems that Creekside Eleme…
  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…
  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…
  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…
  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…
  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 …
  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…
  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…
  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…
  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…
  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 …
  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…
  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…
  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…
  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 …
  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…
  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…