Army Chaplain Was Told the Case Was Closed.
Five Years Later, It Cost Him a Promotion.
by Chris Motz, Senior Counsel
For nearly 30 years, Lt. Col. Joe Lawhorn has served our country. First as a Ranger-qualified infantry officer. He later became a chaplain who cares for soldiers during some of life’s hardest moments.
Now, an investigation that his commander said was over is threatening his career. We recently filed an application with the Army asking it to remove harmful information from Chaplain Lawhorn’s promotion file and every other official record where it appears.
Military chaplains are called to care for the spiritual needs of our service members. They should be free to offer honest guidance rooted in faith—especially when their message helps a soldier seek care that could save his life. Chaplains must be free to bring hope and healing to soldiers, without investigations into their message.
Make America Hope Again | Reading Wheel Review
Millions of Americans want their children to know our nation’s history—untainted by ideology. Wilfred McClay’s Land of Hope meets this challenge brilliantly.
It is a history animated throughout with honesty and humility toward the past, and with gratitude for the generations to which we are indebted. McClay wrote it as if it was a biography of a parent from the perspective of a loving child whose affection for mom and dad only increases with knowledge of their flaws.
Throughout the book, that hope and that aspiration can take varying forms. It may simply be the aspiration toward freedom, peace and justice rooted in reality and human nature. Other moments in the story show utopian aspirations to overcome human nature or economic reality.
McClay’s book is an invitation to hope again and to see ourselves in the story of a great nation that aspires to be much more.
Washington Firefighters Terminated for Faith Appeal to 9th Circuit
by Jorge Gomez, Director of Content Strategy
There’s an old saying that just because you lose one battle, it does not mean you lost the war.
The same goes for the legal battle for religious freedom in America. Just because one case doesn’t end in a victory, it does not mean that we’re done fighting.
On the contrary, when we get a disappointing outcome or a ruling doesn’t go our way, it only strengthens our resolve to continue fighting.
Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear our case on behalf several firefighters in California who were punished and put on unpaid leave for requesting religious accommodations.
Even though that’s the end of the road for that case, First Liberty’s work is far from finished.
We recently filed our opening brief on behalf of a different group of firefighters who faced discrimination at work. We’re asking the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to rule in favor of eight firefighters in Redmond, Washington who were denied religious accommodation from the COVID-19 vaccine and ultimately fired for their faith.
Some Fights Go All the Way. You Help Us Get There.
First Liberty has two cases that will be heard this winter and seven additional case requests 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.
Will you join with us and give to this Fund? Stand with First Liberty’s clients by donating today.
Leading The Conversation
Video: Washington School District Settles Religious Liberty Lawsuit Over Bible Restrictions – Senior Counsel Stephanie Taub | Fox News
Military Chaplain Seeks to Correct the Record After Losing a Promotion Over ‘Microaggression’ – Senior Counsel Chris Motz | Daily Signal
Podcast | Holly Randall Explains LifeWise Academy’s Settlement with School Hiding Bibles – Counsel Holly M. Randall | Washington Watch
Arizona Man Threatened With Arrest for Preaching At Holiday Festival Files Lawsuit | Associate Counsel Garrett Bell | Fox News
What Does “History and Tradition” Require? – Center for Religion, Culture & Democracy Senior Fellow Mark David Hall | Law & Liberty
Resounding Victory for LifeWise Academy
by Jorge Gomez, Director of Content Strategy
Great news! We reached a settlement that will allow LifeWise Academy to continue bringing Bible teaching to students enrolled in the Everett School District in Washington.
Despite LifeWise Academy’s strong parental support and its compliance with the law, the school district created obstacles for families who wanted their children to participate in LifeWise programs. School officials were also hostile and made offensive remarks toward the organization.
As a result of First Liberty’s lawsuit, the school district issued a public apology on its website. Plus, school board members will undergo religious liberty training, and the district will change its policies on religious activities.
This is a tremendous win for our clients and for all religious release time programs. It will impact the lives of countless families who want their children to participate in programs that teach them the Bible.
Thank you for supporting LifeWise and First Liberty. It’s you who makes these victories possible!
Editors’ Picks
Everett School District Settles After Religious Nonprofit Sues Over Violation of First Amendment Rights – Daily Signal
A Pre-Election Judicial Appointment Update – National Review
Why The Courts Are Siding with Religious Liberty – Deseret News
Religious Liberty on Display in Virginia Elections – Daily Signal
New Research: Do Americans Think Spiritual Revival is Coming? – Barna Group
