“Freedom of Religion” vs. “Freedom of Worship”

IN THE CHURCH

That’s a departure from what most Americans understand as “freedom of religion,” but it may still seem like an inconsequential difference. The truth is that changing the word “religion” to “worship” drastically changes what is protected. Read the words of the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” That “free exercise” wording protects those whose religion is so much more than worship. For those who are Christians, we’re called to live our religion, not just observe services on Sundays. An attempt to protect only the “freedom of worship” is a step toward banishing religious expression outside of the church setting in all its forms.

About Liberty Institute
Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal group dedicated to defending and restoring religious liberty across America — in our schools, for our churches and throughout the public arena. Liberty’s vision is to reestablish religious liberty in accordance with the principles of our nation’s Founders. For information, visit www.LibertyInstitute.org.

Employees Fired for Praying to Get Day in Court

IN THE PUBLIC ARENA

DALLAS, July 12 — Judge Terry R. Means of the Northern District Court of Texas just ruled that two women fired by the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) will get their day in court. The women, represented by Liberty Institute, were fired in 2006 for praying at work after hours for a coworker.

“This is a great victory for religious freedom,” said Jeff Mateer, general counsel for Liberty Institute. “These two women, on their own time, took the initiative to simply pray for peace and harmony in their office, and were rewarded by being fired. We are glad that these women will now get their day in court, and are hopeful that the truth will prevail.”