Jump directly to the Content
Explore

Church & State

Religious Freedom and the Church
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
MassachusettsMassachusetts

A Teacher Was Not Barred from Suing a Christian College for Discrimination Member access only

The school could not use the “ministerial exception” as a defense against the suit, says Massachusetts court.
Richard R. Hammar
Supreme Court's Fulton Decision Reinforces Religious Freedom Protections

Supreme Court's Fulton Decision Reinforces Religious Freedom Protections Member access only

Court says Philadelphia’s policy failed constitutional muster for church- and faith-based activities.
Religious Freedom Protection Expanded in South Dakota and Montana

Religious Freedom Protection Expanded in South Dakota and Montana

Twenty-three states now require their governments to meet higher standards whenever they “substantially burden” religious exercise.
Matthew J. Branaugh
Assessing US Supreme Court Rulings on Pandemic Restrictions

Assessing US Supreme Court Rulings on Pandemic Restrictions Member access only

What the high court’s COVID-19 decisions reveal regarding how government treats churches, businesses, and other organizations.
Richard R. Hammar, Attorney, CPA, and Matthew Branaugh, Attorney
Supreme Court: Harsher Pandemic Restrictions for Churches Are Unconstitutional

Supreme Court: Harsher Pandemic Restrictions for Churches Are Unconstitutional Member access only

Places of worship cannot be treated less favorably than “comparable secular gatherings.”
Richard R. Hammar
Supreme Court Again Rules that Safety and Health Regulations Override Religious Freedom

Supreme Court Again Rules that Safety and Health Regulations Override Religious Freedom Member access only

Dissenting opinion in this pandemic-related ruling expressed First Amendment concerns.
Richard R. Hammar
Supreme Court Endorses Some Aid to Parents of Religious School Students

Supreme Court Endorses Some Aid to Parents of Religious School Students Member access only

Decision opens the door for religious schools to benefit from funds available to other kinds of schools.
Richard R. Hammar
Supreme Court Rules that Title VII’s Ban on “Sex” Discrimination Includes Sexual Orientation

Supreme Court Rules that Title VII’s Ban on “Sex” Discrimination Includes Sexual Orientation Member access only

The significance to churches and religious schools and colleges.
Richard R. Hammar
The Do's and Don'ts of Political Activities by Churches

The Do's and Don'ts of Political Activities by Churches

Understanding how a church's tax-exempt status is affected—or not—when it supports or opposes candidates, distributes voter guides, advocates for certain issues, and more.
The Editors
Churches and Religious Freedoms Laws: A 50-State Survey
Advantage Member Exclusive

Churches and Religious Freedoms Laws: A 50-State Survey Member access only

Orienting church leaders on the key federal and state laws and court decisions affecting religious exercise.
What the Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Opinion Means for Church Gatherings

What the Supreme Court’s COVID-19 Opinion Means for Church Gatherings Member access only

A deeply divided Court rejected one California church’s request to restore in-person services sooner than the state governor ordered.
Richard R. Hammar
View All

Lead your ministry with confidence.

Become a Member
Promo Devices