First Amendment
The Latest
US cabinet departments adopt rule protecting organizations' religious freedom rights
Nine federal agencies announced Monday a new rule aimed at protecting the First Amendment rights of religiously-affiliated organizations. Read more
US Supreme Court urged to protect KY religious schools from shutdown
An order shuttering in-person education until Jan. 4 in Kentucky amid rising COVID-19 cases amounts to religious discrimination, the US... Read more
Treat churches like businesses during lockdowns, Americans say
As some states and cities reinstate restrictions meant to stop the spread of the coronavirus, a survey has found that... Read more
Federal judges decline to block New York worship restrictions
Two federal judges on Friday declined to block new restrictions on public worship in New York City, which both Catholic... Read more
Senators support DC church's suit against discriminatory coronavirus restrictions
Members of Congress are supporting a Washington, D.C., Baptist church in its court case against the city’s enforcement of its... Read more
Judge upholds Colorado's coronavirus limits on religious gatherings
A federal judge on Tuesday denied an injunction sought by a Protestant ministry against Colorado's coronavirus health orders, which limit... Read more
San Francisco archbishop: Worshipers should be treated equally during the pandemic
The archbishop of San Francisco penned an op-ed in the Washington Post this week citing the First Amendment as he... Read more
Trump administration to implement free speech rules for colleges
The US Education Department on Wednesday promulgated rules which formally implement a March executive order from President Donald Trump seeking... Read more
US Supreme Court upholds Nevada's coronavirus rules for houses of worship
By a 5-4 vote on Friday the Supreme Court upheld Nevada’s coronavirus regulation that limits attendance at indoor religious services... Read more
Sen. McConnell condemns First Amendment 'double standard' for churches
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that a “constitutionally dubious” double standard is being applied to religious communities and protestors... Read more
Former judge: coronavirus restrictions have a place, but religion is 'essential'
Public health orders to limit the spread of the new coronavirus raise important questions about the U.S. Constitution and religious... Read more
Federal judge blocks Kentucky governor's soon-to-expire ban on religious services
With Kentucky already set for a limited resumption of religious services May 20, a federal judge has said Gov. Andy... Read more
California churches sue governor to allow public worship services amid coronavirus
Three Southern California ecclesial communities have filed a lawsuit against Governor Gavin Newsom, alleging that social distancing orders he imposed... Read more
Trump admin announces rules to allow equal access to grants for religious groups
The White House announced new rules from nine federal agencies Thursday to help ensure that religious groups have equal access... Read more
US justice department supports Christian school banned from voucher program
The United States Department of Justice on Tuesday filed a statement of interest in support of a Christian school in... Read more
Federal judge allows Christian school's suit to go forward in voucher case
A federal district court judge on Thursday denied Maryland's motion to dismiss a suit by a Christian school against the... Read more
Teacher fired for abortion rights social media posts sues Catholic school in SC
A teacher at a Catholic school in South Carolina whose contract was not renewed because of her posts on Facebook... Read more
How 'Hosanna-Tabor' is shaping employment at Catholic schools
In the wake of recent controversies over teacher hiring, and firing, at religious schools, CNA spoke with professor Rick Garnett... Read more
California advances bill to violate sacramental seal
State senators in California have voted to approve a law that would require priests to violate the seal of confession.... Read more
Federal court reaffirms tax exempt clergy housing allowances
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld tax-free housing allowances for clergy, a decision welcomed by pastors, religious organizations,... Read more
