February Newsletter
There is a new case we have been working on that we have not had the opportunity to share with you, until now.
Advocates is representing Prison Ministry of America (PMA), a non-profit Christian organization started in 1926 that provides prison inmates with Bibles, prayer, discipleship, and worship services. I’ve been privileged to see the amazing work the ministry is involved in. It is run by a small group of dedicated brothers and sisters in the Lord who truly care for those who are in prison.
Much to PMA’s dismay, it was recently sued by a Muslim religious leader who claims that PMA’s chaplain application, which had a Christian statement of faith, was discriminatory. Typically, a private non-profit has the right to require a statement of faith. The legal issue here is that PMA was hired by Prince George's County Maryland to administer chaplain services to prisons throughout the county. The Muslim plaintiff is suing PMA, claiming PMA was basically acting as the government, which does not have a right to require a statement of faith. It is a ridiculous argument.
Even more ridiculous is that the Muslim plaintiff never applied for a chaplain position. He merely looked at the application and then filed a federal lawsuit in Maryland against both PMA and the county. It is sad that a Muslim religious leader would sue a religious organization, but that is where we are.
Although Advocates was overwhelmed with cases, I knew we had to help PMA defend itself against this unjust lawsuit. The plaintiff is represented by lawyers from the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR). Earlier this month Advocates filed a Motion to Dismiss the lawsuit because it completely lacks merit.
The hearing date on our motion to dismiss has not been determined yet. Please pray that this case gets dismissed, and pray that it will not hinder the critical ministry work PMA is actively engaged in.
Please also pray for our team as we balance all the significant cases we have on our plate. We love what we do, but we do get overwhelmed at times. We constantly remind ourselves that in our weakness, He is strong.
Advocates is committed to defending the First Amendment right to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is because of your prayers and financial support that Advocates is able to represent churches, ministries and individuals whose religious and civil liberties are under attack. We will remain steadfast and are so grateful to know you all are standing with us in this battle.
In Christ,
Nada Higuera, Esq.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9