April 2026 Newsletter

For more than 20 years, Advocates for Faith & Freedom has stood in the gap, defending faith, family, and freedom when it mattered most. We have walked into courtrooms on behalf of churches that refused to close their doors, stood with parents fighting for their rights, and defended truth when it was unpopular while protecting freedoms when they were under attack. This work has never been just a job. It is a calling, and it is one we have been honored to carry together with you for over two decades.

As we step into our 21st year, we take time not only to reflect on where we have been, but also to prepare for what lies ahead. You may notice something new. We have introduced a new logo and an upgraded website. At first glance, it may feel like a change, but at its core it is not. The mission that has guided us for the past 20 years remains exactly the same: to boldly defend faith, family, and freedom and to stand for truth in the face of growing legal and cultural challenges.

That will never change. What has changed is the moment we are in. The challenges are greater, the need is clearer, and the call to stand is stronger than ever.

This new look is simply a reflection of that reality. It is a step forward with purpose, designed to communicate more clearly, to reach more people, and to better equip this ministry for the work ahead. At the same time, we understand something deeply important. When you have trusted something for many years, change can feel uncertain. Please know this clearly: the excellence you have come to expect is still here. The conviction that defines this work is still here. The mission you believe in is still here. Nothing about that has been replaced. It has only been strengthened.

Our new website has been thoughtfully designed to better serve you by providing clearer access to the cases we are fighting, the issues we are addressing, and the ways you can stay informed and engaged. More than anything, this moment is one of gratitude. This mission has never been carried alone. It has been sustained by faithful supporters, prayer partners, and individuals who believe, as we do, that truth matters and that it is worth defending.

You are part of that legacy. As we step into this next chapter, you are also part of what comes next. We are not starting over. We are building forward with the same foundation, the same faith, and the same unwavering commitment to stand firm, no matter the cost.

A Defining Battle Now Before the Supreme Court

We are now at a pivotal moment in one of the most significant religious liberty battles in the nation. After more than six years of standing firm, our case on behalf of Calvary Chapel San Jose and Pastor Mike McClure is currently before the Supreme Court of the United States. We are prayerfully awaiting word on whether the Court will take up this case, a decision that could have profound implications for churches and constitutional freedoms across the country.

At its core, this case goes to the very heart of religious freedom. During COVID-19, government officials imposed sweeping restrictions on churches while allowing numerous secular exceptions. When this church chose to remain open for worship, the government responded with escalating enforcement, seeking to impose more than one million dollars in fines, with total penalties approaching three million dollars. Even after courts recognized that key restrictions were unconstitutional, the punishment remained.

The Supreme Court’s decision on whether to hear this case will determine whether these critical constitutional questions will be addressed at the highest level. What is at stake is far greater than one church or one moment in time. This case presents an opportunity to clarify whether the government can single out churches, regulate how they worship, and impose severe financial penalties for acting in accordance with their faith.

The implications are national. A decision to take this case could lead to lasting precedent that strengthens protections for religious liberty across America. It could reaffirm that the First Amendment is not suspended in times of crisis and that constitutional freedoms remain secure, even under pressure. Conversely, if left unaddressed, the questions raised in this case will continue to impact churches and ministries navigating similar challenges.

For our team, this moment reflects years of unwavering commitment and the courage of a church and pastor who chose obedience to God over government, no matter the cost. It is a reminder that the fight for freedom often requires endurance, faith, and a willingness to stand when it is not easy.

We ask that you stand with us in prayer during this critical time. Pray for wisdom for the justices of the Supreme Court. Pray that this case will be taken up and that truth and constitutional protections will be upheld. Pray for continued strength for Pastor Mike McClure and the Calvary Chapel San Jose congregation as they remain steadfast.

Thank you for standing with us. The mission continues, and together, so do we.

In His Service,

Robert Tyler                                                                                                                     

President and Chief Counsel

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. -Acts 5:29