Our nation’s commitment to the free exercise of religion is unwavering. Religious organizations are tax-exempt, and gifts to religious organizations are tax deductible, lest the tax code be seen as a burden to the free exercise of religion. Americans are free to assemble with people of like faith and to practice their faith in community without fearContinue reading “Right to Religious Freedom? Yes. Right to run a business according to your faith? Not necessarily.”
Tag Archives: first amendment
Knick-Knack Jesus OK in VA
I just read Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's opinion regarding the constitutionality of religious displays on public ground during the holidays, including displays of Jesus (pdf document of opinion; Washington Post blogpost on the matter). The sad thing is this: displays of Jesus are allowed on public ground so long as such displays are "notContinue reading “Knick-Knack Jesus OK in VA”
Religious Groups on Campus: Christian Legal Society vs. Martinez
Earlier today the Supreme Court heard arguments in Christian Legal Society vs. Martinez, testing whether a school's nondiscrimination policy can result in barring a student religious group – which, by definition, is limited to people who share that faith – from receiving official campus recognition. The case involved a student organization at Hastings College ofContinue reading “Religious Groups on Campus: Christian Legal Society vs. Martinez”
Moment of Silence in Virginia Schools
According to Virginia law, a school pupil's free exercise of religion within the schools is guaranteed by one minute of silence in the school day. I'm no lawyer, but I am a pastor and a person of at least ordinary intelligence. I have a hard time seeing how a minute of silence provides such aContinue reading “Moment of Silence in Virginia Schools”
The Lutheran Zephyr 