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Latest News

Latest News

Written by Don Byrd, these updates bring together the latest news impacting the conversation around religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

Nine federal agencies announce final rule restoring religious liberty rights discarded by Trump administration

Nine federal agencies announce final rule restoring religious liberty rights discarded by Trump administration

The Biden administration announced a final rule, jointly issued by nine federal agencies, entitled “Partnerships with Faith-Based and Neighborhood Organizations.”
9th Circuit rules the destruction of Oak Flat likely does not substantially burden religious exercise, campaign to save Oak Flat continues

9th Circuit rules the destruction of Oak Flat likely does not substantially burden religious exercise, campaign to save Oak Flat continues

These disputes could result in the most significant ruling yet by the Court on the application of RFRA, impacting not only the fate of Oak Flat but numerous religious freedom disputes.
Alabama Chief Justice uses theology to support controversial frozen embryo ruling

Alabama Chief Justice uses theology to support controversial frozen embryo ruling

Largely overlooked in the firestorm of reaction focused on the consequences of the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling was the troubling, religion-based rationale in a concurrence.
Members of Congress demand explanation for Christian nationalism-embracing guest chaplain in letter endorsed by BJC

Members of Congress demand explanation for Christian nationalism-embracing guest chaplain in letter endorsed by BJC

More than two dozen members of Congress sent a letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and the House Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben, to voice their concern about an invited guest chaplain who was allowed to deliver the opening invocation on the House floor.
Is politics today’s biggest threat to faith?

Is politics today’s biggest threat to faith?

Writing for TIME magazine, author and sociology professor Dr. Samuel Perry makes the case that the growing secularization of America is in part a result of our broken politics.
Iowa, Utah advance ‘RFRA’ bills during spring legislative sessions

Iowa, Utah advance ‘RFRA’ bills during spring legislative sessions

There are 25 states with a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) law, and another handful of states have similar language in their state constitutions. Now, legislatures in Utah and Iowa are poised to join the list.
BJC creates  ‘chaplain’ vote tracker for top 25 largest school districts in Texas as deadline approaches

BJC creates ‘chaplain’ vote tracker for top 25 largest school districts in Texas as deadline approaches

Texas SB 763 lets anyone who can pass a background check call themself a “chaplain” and have access to children in public schools.
HHS announces final conscience protection rule, repealing some Trump administration provisions

HHS announces final conscience protection rule, repealing some Trump administration provisions

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a final rule governing the Biden administration’s interpretation and enforcement of laws protecting health care providers that object on religious or moral grounds from providing certain services.
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