William C. Duncan
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Right of conscience key to California and Michigan cases
Henry David Thoreau’s opposition to paying for a cause to which he conscientiously objected is widely shared. This is illustrated by recent cases in California and Michigan.
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Prayer in schools: Does federal guidance reflect Supreme Court rulings?
Updated letter from Department of Education stresses the ability of schools to limit employee prayer when they feel such prayer might be taken as an endorsement of religion.
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Case shows how government interferes with religious groups’ homeless ministry
Department of Justice has sided with Micah’s Way in its suit against the city of Santa Ana, California, for trying to shut down or limit its distribution of food and drink to homeless people.
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Religion and spirituality play helpful role in mental health
A rise in mental health challenges – particularly among youth – requires a significant investment in resources. Research shows religious practice is associated with increased emotional resilience.
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Religious exemptions in abortion-related legislation can prevent distrust and confusion
Since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to regulate abortion in 2022, related state laws have become more numerous and prominent. This has raised concerns on both sides of the issue, including religious freedom concerns.
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Supreme Court hears oral arguments on religious accommodations
The standard sought in this case is the same as the current rule for employers asked to accommodate pregnant or disabled employees.
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1983 floods showed powerful force of religion, community
As Pastor Corey Hodges has noted, faith helps promote community. In 1983, local churches helped with massive relief efforts to keep floodwaters under some control and to minimize damage.
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Religious schools need freedom to hire and retain staff that support organizational mission
Supporting the mission of an organization is one of the basic tests for employment with it. The principle should rightly extend to hiring decisions of religious schools.
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Biden administration’s proposed repeal of religious student protections illuminates continuing need for religious freedom
Although the formal protections of religious practice are retained in the federal Constitution (and every state constitution), the cultural backdrop is different today.
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States can learn from federal regulators how not to implement rules
New HHS rule may include welcome changes for healthcare workers