There have been a number of US Supreme Court rulings since 2017 that are of interest to churches. Church Law & Tax has followed these cases closely, developing the following articles:
A Pair of Noteworthy Supreme Court Decisions For Church Leaders
A pair of Supreme Court decisions are noteworthy for church leaders and bivocational pastors.
Maine’s Tuition Assistance Rule Violated the First Amendment, Supreme Court Says
Maine’s tuition assistance rule barred use of state funds at religious schools, which violated the First Amendment, Court says.
Postgame Prayers Protected by First Amendment, Supreme Court Says
Supreme Court says postgame prayers protected by First Amendment while also striking down controversial “Lemon test.”
Supreme Court: Religious Law Allows Clergy to be in Execution Chambers
Law protecting prisoners’ religious rights allows clergy to be present in execution chambers, Court says.
Supreme Court’s Fulton Decision Reinforces Religious Freedom Protections
Religious freedom protections reinforced by Supreme Court’s ruling against a policy in Philadelphia.
Supreme Court Again Rules that Safety and Health Regulations Override Religious Freedom
Majority of Supreme Court says safety and health regulations override religious freedom concerns during a public health crisis.
Supreme Court Reaffirms and Expands Ministerial Exception
What the ruling means for churches and religious organizations.
Supreme Court Endorses Some Aid to Parents of Religious School Students
Parents of religious school students may receive state aid, Supreme Court says.
Supreme Court Rules that Title VII’s Ban on “Sex” Discrimination Includes Sexual Orientation
Why the Supreme Court’s Title VII decision changes the definition of “sex” discrimination–and how it affects churches.
What an Early COVID-19 Supreme Court Decision Meant for Church Gatherings
A Court decision early in the COVID-19 pandemic rejected a California church’s request to restore in-person gatherings sooner than the state allowed.
Tracking Faith-Based Legal Challenges to Pandemic Orders
How federal courts nationwide addressed faith-based legal challenges to pandemic orders set by state and local governments.
Attorney General: Religious Exercise Should Not Be Significantly Burdened
The Attorney General’s statement emphasized religious exercise should be not significantly burdened by pandemic mandates.
Supreme Court: Commemorative Cross on Public Land Did Not Offend the Constitution
Bladensburg Cross may remain, both for its religious and secular purposes, majority says.
Atheist Organization Opts Not to Appeal Housing Allowance Ruling
Group says its arguments hold merit, but success at Supreme Court unlikely.
The Masterpiece Cakeshop Ruling and Religious Freedom
This case and two others reflect the complexities of issues related to public accommodation.
Public Benefit Programs Available to Churches
Excluding church from playground funding solely based on its religion violates First Amendment, Court says.
