Recommended Reading

Religious Freedom and the Church

From government mandates to public accommodation laws to employment issues, churches must understand what is and isn’t constitutionally protected.

The Editors

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This language has been foundational to the religious liberty that millions of people have enjoyed in this country for nearly 250 years.

Courts have interpreted the First Amendment through countless decisions since the First Amendment’s adoption, dramatically affecting the protections it affords to both people and houses of worship alike. The US Congress and state legislatures have adopted laws further shaping its scope and reach. Understanding how these numerous developments work is vitally important to pastors and church leaders–and this Church Law & Tax Recommended Reading page is designed to help build that understanding.

The Free Exercise Clause

The First Amendment specifies that “Congress shall make no law … prohibiting the free exercise

A 50-State Survey on Religious Freedom Laws

A 50-state survey on key federal and state laws and court decisions affecting churches and religious freedom.

Matthew Branaugh

Religious Freedom Protections Expanded in South Dakota, Montana

Religious freedom protections expanded in South Dakota and Montana, meaning 24 states now require higher standards for their governments to meet whenever they “substantially burden” religious exercise.

Matthew Branaugh

Assessing US Supreme Court Rulings on Pandemic Restrictions

What the Supreme Court’s rulings on pandemic restrictions mean for churches and in-person gatherings.

Richard R. Hammar, Attorney, CPA, and Matthew Branaugh, Attorney

How Does Trump’s Religious Liberty Executive Order Affect Churches?

Four legal experts weigh in on what the order does–and doesn’t–do.

Compiled by Emily Lund

The Masterpiece Cakeshop Ruling and Religious Freedom

This case and two others reflect the complexities of issues related to public accommodation.

Richard R. Hammar

Supreme Court: Commemorative Cross on Public Land Did Not Offend the Constitution

Bladensburg Cross may remain, both for its religious and secular purposes, majority says.

Richard R. Hammar

Supreme Court’s Fulton Decision Reinforces Religious Freedom Protections

Religious freedom protections reinforced by Supreme Court’s ruling against a policy in Philadelphia.

Richard R. Hammar

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