Religious Freedom

Charges against a street preacher accused of "tumultuous" behavior for preaching in public near Princeton University's restaurant row were dropped in court, said a religious freedom law group Monday.

Lawyers for The Rutherford Institute said they successfully defended Michael Stockwell during his appearance before the Princeton Borough Municipal Court for a citation for his use of amplification while preaching. The charge was later modified to disorderly conduct, which applies to "violent or tumultuous" behavior.

TRI said Stockwell's use of a small amplifier to make himself heard over the street noise did not constitute tumultuous behavior and was protected by the First Amendment. Stockwell was found not guilty. more >>

Clarification Appended

A Christian student group at Vanderbilt University has been told by the school's administration that it will lose its recognized status on campus unless the group removes its requirement that its leaders have a "personal commitment to Jesus Christ," says a Christian legal association.

Despite a discussion with school officials at the beginning of the year that led members of the group to believe their bylaws were approved, the group was told last week that the university's new policy barring religious groups from selecting members and leaders based on faith requirements will disqualify the group next school year. more >>

It may not have even caught your attention. It may not appear to be that different. But when people, especially the current president of the United States, intentionally replace the words "freedom of religion" with "freedom of worship," is it just a distinction without a difference, or is it a major change about which we need to be concerned?

In order to explain what amounts to tremendous differences between the two phrases, let me offer a recent example. In Colorado, a religious freedom amendment to the state constitution has been proposed that prohibits the government from "burden[ing] a person's or religious organization's freedom of religion" unless it shows a compelling interest – which offers the highest level of protection. In comparison, the U.S. Constitution prohibits Congress from "prohibiting the free exercise" of religion.

Compare that to the proposed language submitted by a far-left group which begins: "Religious freedom. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination, shall forever hereafter be guaranteed." Sounds okay, doesn't it? Or does it? Did you notice that freedom of religion quickly became religious worship? But there is more: more >>

In the debate over the Obama administration's birth control mandate, there has been much misinformation. Here are five common myths regarding what the mandate does and does not do.

Myth #1: It only affects Catholics

Since the Catholic Church is the only prominent Christian denomination which doctrinally proscribes contraceptives and sterilization, some have assumed that the issue only affects the Catholic Church. The mandate also requires, however, that employers, including most religious employers, provide coverage for some abortion-inducing drugs. Many non-Catholic religious employers also oppose the use of these drugs, but would be required to pay for coverage under the mandate. more >>

In their continued fight for religious freedom, Christian students at Vanderbilt University have organized a video campaign highlighting their concern for the university's new policy barring religious groups from selecting members and leaders based on faith requirements -- a policy they say discriminates against Christians.

The nearly seven-minute video features several university students, alumni, and sponsors speaking on their rights to freely express their religious association, and the importance of electing religious leaders to the university's student run organizations.

The video also claims that there is a disparity in university requirements for Greek organizations and religious organizations, as the university allows Greek organization to "discriminate" for leadership and membership positions. more >>

The Voice of the Martyrs Executive Director Tom White has passed away, the organization announced Wednesday, April 18.

White was a central presence in the VOM set-up and served at the ministry for over 20 years. He worked alongside the VOM co-founders, Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand and helped the VOM grow throughout the 20 years he served.

"All of our hearts are heavy at this loss, and most of all heavy for Ophelia, Tom's loyal help-mate through years of ministry... and for his children and grandchildren," ministry leaders are recorded as saying in a statement on the VOM website. more >>