Religious organizations have a right to use their property to fulfill their religious mission—without the government putting up barriers on what they are or are not allowed to build. That’s the legal issue at the center of a major case we’re arguing at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Missionaries of St. John the Baptist, Inc.—a private religious organization in Park Hills, Kentucky—was banned from building a modest shrine for prayer and reflection on church property.
According to the Kentucky Supreme Court, that ban was not in violation of federal law. If that ruling stands, it will prevent countless congregations from fulfilling their divinely inspired calling.
We will argue before the Supreme Court and make the case it is a violation of federal law to ban a Christian organization from using its property to carry out its mission.
Inspiration for St John’s Shrine
The need to fight cases at the Supreme Court level is greater than it has ever been. Right now, First Liberty has two cases before the Court and an additional seven petitions pending.
Fighting at the Supreme Court costs First Liberty millions of dollars. So, we’re launching a Supreme Court Defense Fund to help us reach new heights.
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This is a massive case for religious liberty because it has the potential to impact every single zoning law in the country.
President Clinton signed the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) into law to protect houses of worship from discrimination and their right to operate free from unreasonable and intrusive government interference.
This is the first case in which the Supreme Court will review and interpret RLUIPA’s land use protections—making this one of the most significant cases for religious liberty of the past 30 years.
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“Telling a church it can’t build a modest place for prayer and reflection on its own property is outrageous,” said Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO, and Chief Counsel. “Federal law provides clear protections for how faith-based organizations can use their property to support their mission.”
This case presents an opportunity for the Supreme Court to affirm the federal law that protects religious land use. The outcome could set a precedent that strengthens protections for religious organizations, churches and houses of worship across America.
Will you stand with Missionaries of St John and join us in fighting at the Supreme Court? Make a donation today to help protect churches and organizations across America.
