An attorney for Avell and the church, Jeremy Dys, said he thinks city leaders don't want the ministry in the middle of town, describing it as a “not in my backyard” issue and accusing officials of inventing problems.
Churches are often suspected of sympathy with opposition groups, even though they are more commonly used as places of refuge for civilians seeking to shelter from fighting.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has signed a law into effect that mandates that all denominations and religious groups reapply for state registration, which authorities reserve the right to refuse.
This issue of A Public Witness looks back at Thomas Jefferson’s letter to Baptists penned 202 years ago this week and explores why prominent figures deliberately misrepresent the metaphorical “wall of separation” between church and state.
The Rev. Jeff Hood, spiritual adviser to Kenneth Smith, argued the restrictions imposed during the execution would violate Hood’s right to the free exercise of religion.
This issue of A Public Witness treks to the Hawkeye State to consider a recent stunt by the Satanic Temple and what options are available beyond endorsing Christian Nationalism (or Satanic Nationalism).