During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we noted the disgraceful way that Freedom From Religion Foundation (“FFRF”) was attacking local officials who had invoked a day of prayer during the national emergency. FFRF sent threatening letters to governors and mayors, attempting to silence their First...

Churches in California have been forced into silence. The ACLJ just filed a critical motion to stop the enforcement of the unjust ban and give churches back their voices. The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment states it pretty clear: “Congress shall make no law . . . prohibiting the free...

The ACLJ fights back against California’s church singing ban. On today’s Jay Sekulow Live , we discussed our filing for an injunction to block the enforcement of California’s arbitrary church singing bang. The ACLJ is taking decisive action to fight for religious liberty. It happened on Friday...

The ACLJ files a major lawsuit in California, challenging Governor Gavin Newsom’s ban on singing and chanting in churches and other places of worship. On today’s Jay Sekulow Live , we discussed the actions that we at the ACLJ are taking to fight California’s ban on singing in churches. We have...

We have just filed a lawsuit challenging the state of California’s ban on singing and chanting activities in places of worship on behalf of Calvary Chapel of Ukiah, Calvary Chapel Fort Bragg, and River of Life Church, in Oroville, California. On July 1, 2020, California updated the health order to...

Last week, the Supreme Court delivered a major victory for religious schools in two cases, Our Lady of Guadalupe School v. Agnes Morrissey-Berru , and St. James School v. Biel. As we explained here , the two cases involved the important religious liberty principle called “the ministerial...

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly and you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts .” ~ Colossians 3:16 Singing is a fundamental part of worship, commanded in the Scriptures. Yet,

There were two major victories for religious freedom and religious liberty at the U.S. Supreme Court. On today’s Jay Sekulow Live , we discussed the two major victories for religious liberty at the Supreme Court. The ACLJ had filed amicus briefs in both of those cases. Both cases were decided 7-2,

The ACLJ fights back against California’s church singing ban. On today’s Jay Sekulow Live , we discussed the actions that we at the ACLJ are taking to fight back against California’s church singing ban. We have a team of attorneys preparing to file a lawsuit against the state of California. Online...

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!” ~ Psalm 100:2 Caution: The actions in this verse are no longer permissible in the state of California. As part of tightened restrictions that the state claims are necessary to stop...

Governor Gavin Newsom banned singing in church in California. Now the ACLJ is taking action. On today’s Jay Sekulow Live , we discussed California’s new guidelines to battle COVID-19 which includes an outright ban on singing in churches. Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, along with the...

For many religious believers, asking their employer not to work on a holy day (Sundays for Christians, the Sabbath for Jews, etc.) is more than just a matter of personal preference; it is a religious obligation arising from Scripture and its admonition to keep holy days sacred. Keeping the Sabbath...

We’ve got a positive update in our case to defend a church from unlawful discrimination. A federal court has ruled that the ACLJ, on behalf of the Christian ministry it represents, can move forward with its lawsuit against a county in Georgia challenging the discriminatory zoning process engaged in...

There is no doubt that the current national COVID-19 crisis has required the imposition of extraordinary measures. These measures have required countless businesses, churches, and gathering places to close, and naturally raise concerns regarding the preservation of civil liberties and religious...

Our defense against the Left’s assault on free speech and religious liberty continues, virus or no virus. We told you about how we filed lawsuit on behalf of our client, Hadassah Carter. She is a realtor who has been being harassed, targeted, and discriminated against by the Virginia Real Estate...

At the ACLJ, we are battling to end Obama-era anti-religious liberty rules and blatant religious discrimination. According to the official website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Discrimination includes applying different terms or conditions of housing, denying...

Recently, the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) intervened on behalf of a Christian resident of a senior housing complex who was instructed to remove her crosses from her outdoor garden area pursuant to a so-called policy banning all religious décor. Although both crosses are small – each...

There are many asking the question whether the CARES Act , the Coronavirus relief bill, includes relief for churches. While each situation is different – and churches should consult their tax professionals – the short answer is “yes.” Here are the reasons. #1. The bill specifically includes...