Faith in the public square
Recent rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court, some supportive of religious freedom and some not, are drawing the attention of churches and other faith-based nonprofits, including The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Synod leaders have been closely following the rulings and their potential impact on Christians’ free exercise of their religion.
Bostock V. Clayton County
On June 15, in a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Title VII’s prohibition of employment discrimination on the basis of “race, color, religion, sex, or national origin” — part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — also applies to discrimination on the basis of “sexual orientation” and “gender identity.” Justice Brett Kavanaugh dissented, asserting that the Court went beyond its proper role of interpreting the law and, in changing a definition to include meanings the U.S. Congress has rejected multiple times, rewrote the law. This is a “transgression of the Constitution’s separation of powers,” Kavanaugh wrote.
Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas also dissented, stating, “There is only one word for what the Court has done today: legislation.”
The Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, executive director of the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty (LCRL), called the ruling “outrageous” in its relegation of “Christian citizens to second-class status in their own country.”
Free to Be Faithful newsletter, noted that the ruling could have widespread implications not only for the church but for the culture: “Among the questions left unanswered are whether men’s access to women’s dressing rooms and sports leagues will be mandated … Click here to read more from Reporter about other important cases.
Be Informed
Big things are happening when it comes to religious liberty, but are they enough? Dr. Ryan Anderson notes that, “Through legislation and litigation, we need to make it clear that it’s lawful to act on the convictions that we are created male and female and that male and female are created for each other. Privacy and safety at a shelter, equality on an athletic field, and good medicine are at stake for everyone—religious or not.” Read more here.
Be Equipped
What Is The Future Of Abortion Law In America Today? Clarke Forsythe Of Americans United For Life Explains.
Be Encouraged
“While the fights among political parties and media outlets continue interminably, Christ has already won the final struggle against the devil. And regardless of the news cycle, Christ gives this victory to you.”
