Photo source: libertymagazine.org
Religious liberty has been recognized as a right since the very beginnings of this country and we are blessed to have several laws on the books protecting this freedom, including:
The first amendment of the U.S. Constitution — granting the free exercise of religion and protecting against the government establishment of religion.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) — ensuring that laws that could infringe upon an individual’s religious liberty are narrowly tailored to meet a compelling government interest.
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) — applies the same protections found in RFRA to cases dealing with land use and institutionalized persons, such as inmates or others who are housed in government-funded facilities.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — protecting employees against religious discrimination in the workplace.
There are also state and local laws protecting religious liberty. These laws allow people to live out their faith without fear of government retaliation. They prohibit the government from enforcing, promoting, or endorsing a particular religion. Employees are protected from discriminatory actions based on their religious beliefs and are able to request accommodations allowing them to practice their beliefs without automatically losing their jobs.
These laws have been in place because there is a recognition that freedom of religion is a fundamental right that everyone should enjoy.
Protecting and promoting religious liberty has also been part of our Seventh-day Adventist message since the beginning of our church. Our understanding of freedom of religion stems from our biblical understanding that God gives us free will and never forces or coerces our worship.
We sometimes forget just how extraordinary our church’s legacy of religious liberty advocacy is, and how much Adventists have contributed to the national conversation about these issues. Our church advocates for the religious liberty of all people, not just Adventists. We understand that violations of religious freedom anywhere impact us all.
One tool the church has used to promote and advocate for religious liberty is Liberty magazine. This magazine has gained national prominence as a unique voice on issues of church and state. Today it is sent to and read by judges, attorneys, lawmakers, city officials and leaders of other faith groups.
This year, as we celebrate the 120th anniversary of Liberty magazine, please join me in continuing our legacy of advocating on behalf of religious liberty by supporting our Liberty campaign taking place right now. You can view Liberty magazine articles online at: https://www.libertymagazine.org. If you would like to make a donation to this cause or subscribe to Liberty yourself or for someone in your community, contact your local church, conference or union religious liberty leader.
Jennifer Gray-Woods is the Lake Union legal counsel, as well as its Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director.
