Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

October 2021 – In three separate cases, First Liberty Institute (FLI), one of America’s largest law firms dedicated to defending religious freedom, has helped ensure the liberty of Americans to practice their faith without government discrimination.

The first case involved Judge Wayne Mack of Montgomery County, Texas, and his allowance of invocations offered by chaplains during court sessions. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit decided that Judge Mack, represented by FLI, may continue this practice while a suit is still pending against him concerning this policy.

In the second case, FLI represented Christians Engaged, a Texas non-profit that encourages believers to be involved civically through prayer and voting. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had previously denied tax-exempt status for Christians Engaged, citing its Bible teachings as politically biased toward Republicans. FLI appealed the decision, arguing the denial of tax-exempt status was unconstitutional, and the IRS reversed its decision and reinstated tax-exempt status to the organization.

The third FLI win occurred in Washington, D.C., where the city prevented Capitol Hill Baptist Church from safely gathering due to COVID-19 restrictions. FLI reached a settlement with the District of Columbia, in which the city agreed to cease restrictions on church gatherings and cover all legal fees for the church.

firstliberty.org, 7/16/21