This anniversary year was marked by a powerful moment of reflection and resolve at our 20th Anniversary Gala. Surrounded by pastors, partners, supporters, community leaders and courageous clients, we gave thanks for God’s faithfulness. The evening served not only as a celebration of victories won, but as a recommitment to the battles still ahead.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom, in partnership with the American Center for Law & Justice, has filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari asking the United States Supreme Court to overturn more than $1.2 million in fines imposed on Calvary Chapel San Jose and Pastor Mike McClure for the simple act of gathering to worship.
The Supreme Court has reversed the lower court’s decision that fined petitioners for living out their religious beliefs. The case returns to the lower court to reevaluate New York’s law under strengthened protections for religious believers, making clear that the government may not punish religious conviction while granting exemptions for secular purposes.
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, our hearts are full–and resolute. This year marks a defining moment not only in our ongoing legal work, but in the very life of our ministry. Advocates for Faith & Freedom is celebrating 20 years of defending religious liberty, championing truth, and standing unapologetically in the public square for the for the God-given rights of His people!
Advocates for Faith & Freedom (AFF) has joined forces with the American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) to defend Calvary Chapel San Jose and Pastor Mike McClure in a landmark religious liberty case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The church faces more than $1.2 million in fines after continuing to worship during California’s COVID-19 restrictions.
This October reminds us that the fight for faith and freedom extends beyond courtrooms; what happens in the courts sends a ripple effect to our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and halls of government across America. In a culture that desires to erase God and silence His believers, Advocates for Faith & Freedom stands firm to secure the constitutional protections that allow all Americans to live and proclaim the truth of God’s Word without fear.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom announced today a decisive settlement victory on behalf of Alyssa Esquivel, a Christian American Sign Language aide who was unlawfully targeted, silenced, and terminated by the San Gabriel Unified School District after colleagues and administrators objected to her faith and political expression.
At issue is the Leon County School Board’s “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Nonconforming and Questioning Support Guide,” which directs school staff to use a child’s chosen name and pronouns without parental knowledge or consent—and, in some cases, to conceal such information from parents.
Advocates for Faith & Freedom has filed an amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court in support of Catharine Miller, owner of Cathy’s Creations, a Christian baker who is being punished by the State of California for living out her faith. The case asks the Court to correct a dangerous ruling that tramples both the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious liberty and the freedom of speech.
