The First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom includes the freedom to live one’s faith, not just to believe and worship.
A Christian business owner may refuse to provide services that would conflict with his faith, for example, such as using his artistic talent to make a custom “wedding” cake for two men.
Christian organizations also have the right to hire only fellow believers who share the faith and support the mission. Christian Healthcare Centers, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, and concerned parents with children enrolled in the school filed federal lawsuits challenging Michigan’s “civil rights” law that impinges on their rights.
The healthcare ministry said the law would also force it to participate in harming people with cross-sex hormones and lying about pronouns. From Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF):
The law also prohibits the ministry from explaining its religious reasons for these choices to the public. This violates the ministry’s religious beliefs, burdens its ability to advance its religious mission, and undermines its ability to provide safe healthcare to its community.
Bureaucrats definitely don’t want Christians explaining what they do and why they do it.
ADF filed opening briefs in the cases last week. Chris Schandevel, ADF senior counsel, said the Constitution requires Michigan to respect the plaintiffs’ faith.
“Religious organizations should be free to serve their communities according to their beliefs. Christian Healthcare provides quality primary care to all members of the community, while Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish’s school provides children with a classical, Catholic education.”
What does “religious freedom” mean if Christian healthcare ministries and schools can’t actually practice their beliefs?
