by Jayla Ward • 4 minutes
Merry Christmas from everyone here at First Liberty. We are so grateful for your support and prayers as we fight for Americans nationwide. We are beyond amazed at the blessings and victories that God has given us.
First Liberty has scored incredible wins for our clients from coast to coast. We have handled close to 500 legal matters this year alone, and we are blessed with a first-class legal team that has worked hard to not only protect our clients but also set precedents to protect your future.
With so many wins this year, we wanted to share 12 of our most important victories from 2025.
Company Can Make Religious Dog Tags for Service Members
Securing a major victory for Shields of Strength is redemption for a Christian company that was told it couldn’t make replica dog tags with Bible verses. After years of fighting in federal court, we reached a settlement that allows Shields of Strength to once again manufacture the popular dog tags that bring hope and inspiration to thousands of troops.
First Responder Receives Workplace Accommodation
Winning in federal appeals court for Alex Smith, a first responder, pastor and chaplain, means Alex has a right to receive a religious accommodation at work to wear a short beard. The ruling upheld religious freedom in the workplace and also created an important precedent protecting all religious employees.
Nurse Practitioner Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuit
Reaching a settlement with CVS Health Corporation and MinuteClinic in a federal court case means Gunna Kristofersdottir, a nurse practitioner in Florida, can start a new chapter of her life. CVS denied her a religious accommodation from prescribing contraceptive drugs.
Colorado Church Can Continue Serving Its Community
Achieving a favorable agreement with the City of Castle Rock means The Rock Church is free to help people in need. The church uses two RVs to give people a temporary place to stay while they get back on their feet. The church can continue using its building and property to provide emergency shelter.
Churches Free to Endorse Political Candidates
First Liberty successfully defended Grace Church St. Louis and New Way Church after the IRS announced investigations into alleged political involvement. Following First Liberty’s demand letters, the IRS announced that churches and religious organizations can endorse political candidates and still maintain their tax-exempt status. The IRS closed the investigations in both cases.
Appeals Court Affirms Churches’ Right to Choose Their Leaders
A federal appeals court ruled in favor of the North American Mission Board, affirming that churches—not government—are the ones that choose their leaders. This was a broad win for houses of worship across America, strengthening church independence and reaffirming that government may not interfere in the internal affairs of religious groups.
New Jersey Churches Can Renovate Historic Buildings
A win for Mendham Methodist Church and Zion Lutheran Church Long Valley allowed them to receive public funds and renovate the historic architecture of their buildings. A federal district court ruled that houses of worship cannot be excluded from public funding programs, such as preservation grants, simply because of their religious character.
Students Sing Religious Songs at School Talent Show
With First Liberty’s help, two students in Michigan were able to sing songs by Christian artists Brandon Lake and Colton Dixon for their school talent show. At first, the school wouldn’t allow them to perform the songs. We stepped in, and the school reversed its decision.
California Mom Invited to Pray at City Council Meeting
Tarin Swain is a devout Christian mom who wanted to pray during a city council meeting for her children and local schools. But the Mayor of Ventura interrupted that prayer and ordered her to stop. After First Liberty got involved, the city changed course and invited Tarin to offer her prayer at a future meeting.
Amish Families Can Raise Children According to Their Faith
Amish families can continue to educate their children according to their faith and traditions without being forced to vaccinate their children. The Supreme Court reversed a terrible decision by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, ultimately affirming parental rights and religious freedoms.
Military Chaplain Can Continue to Fulfill His Duties
Chaplain Rusty Trubey may preach according to his conscience. U.S. Secretary of the VA, Doug Collins, announced that his office will end the unconstitutional speech code after the military attempted to review and limit the content of his sermons.
Your Support Makes All the Difference
Thank you for supporting First Liberty. You’re the driving force that helps deliver these crucial victories. Wins like these are incredibly significant to those involved. They make a big difference in the lives of Americans who want to exercise their constitutional rights and live in liberty.
As the year ends, there’s still a lot of work to do. We have huge, unprecedented opportunities to advance freedom. At the same time, every victory and every precedent is being met with opposition and hostility. Can First Liberty and our clients count on your continued support?
By donating today, you can double your impact thanks to our $500,000 MATCHING GRANT.
Any gift you make between now and December 31st will go the extra mile in the fight for our First Liberty.
Will you make an impact for religious freedom today?
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