The ‘Lesser Magistrates’ Threat to Democracy
This issue of A Public Witness heads to the border to consider an ongoing legal controversy and an obscure theological theory some hope will migrate into our political system.
A Football Coach Who Got Job Back After Supreme Court Ruled He Could Pray on the Field Has Resigned
Kennedy’s fight to get his job became a cultural touchstone, pitting the religious liberties of government employees against longstanding principles protecting students from religious coercion.
Court Sides With Amish Families in Case That Pits Septic Tank Rules Against Religious Beliefs
A three-judge panel ruled that the government “failed to demonstrate a compelling state interest” to justify overriding the religious freedom of the Amish families that challenged state regulations governing the disposal of gray water.
Supreme Court Solidifies Protections for Workers Who Ask for Religious Accommodations
The Supreme Court on Thursday used the case of a Christian mailman who didn’t want to work Sundays to solidify protections for workers who ask for religious accommodations.
Remembering the Sabbath … in Court
With the issue of honoring the Sabbath coming to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, this issue of A Public Witness previews the case and explores the issue of Sabbath observance as something more than just attending church, having a nice meal, and watching a game
How Far Must Employers Go To Accommodate Workers’ Time Off for Worship? The Supreme Court Will Weigh In
Professor Charles J. Russo explores the context surrounding a U.S. Supreme Court case that will soon address the extent to which employers must make “reasonable accommodations” for the religious beliefs and practices of employees. What exactly that means has been unclear for decades.
Denying Religious Freedom During an Execution
This issue of A Public Witness explores how Leonard “Raheem” Taylor was killed without a spiritual advisor at his side, the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent record of requiring states to allow clergy in the death chamber, and the advocates who were pushing Missouri’s leaders to
Praying in a Death Chamber
As Missouri plans another execution on Feb. 7 in a case with a strong innocence claim, Rev. Lauren Bennett’s story offers a look inside the execution chamber. Last month as she ministered deep in the valley of prison until the shadow of death passed over,
Justices Spar in Latest Clash of Religion and Gay Rights
The Supreme Court's conservative majority sounded sympathetic Monday to a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, the latest collision of religious freedom and gay rights to land at the high court. A looming question during Monday’s arguments: At what
Religion Plays a Role in Native American Adoption Case Before Supreme Court
As the Supreme Court hears Brackeen v. Haaland, what is at stake for most interested parties is the decades-old Indian Child Welfare Act. The act was meant to stop Native American families from being separated by child welfare agencies and private adoption services and instead