Show notes:
In the first segment, our panelists discuss a “religious liberty” bill that would limit the state’s ability to put restrictions on places of worship in future emergencies has been embraced by religious leaders, rejected by LGBTQ and civil liberties groups, and flagged by the Attorney General’s Office. Opponents argue the language of the bill will extend religious protections beyond the church and allow for discrimination. House Bill 542’s prime sponsor, Rep. Keith Ammon, a New Boston Republican, said in an interview that the bill’s opponents are misconstruing his intent. Should the state experience another state of emergency, Ammon wants churches deemed an essential business, along with retailers and liquor stores, and provided the same freedoms to operate.
In the second segment of the show, we examine what the ministerial exception is and why it exists. The First Amendment barred a court from entertaining an employment discrimination claim brought by an elementary school teacher, Cheryl Perich, against the religious school where she taught. Adopting the so-called “ministerial exception” to laws governing the employment relationship between a religious institution and certain key employees, the Court found relevant Perich’s title as a “Minister of Religion, Commissioned,” her educational training, and her responsibility to teach religion and participate with students in religious activities.
In the third segment, our focus turns to the court case, Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. Justices ruled in favor of Catholic Social Services, enabling the faith-based foster care agency to continue partnering with the city despite the agency’s refusal to complete assessments of same-sex couples. The court said the government cannot refuse to offer religious accommodations to laws when it’s willing to offer other types of exceptions.
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About the Show: Faith & Politics is a show dedicated to discussing issues surrounding the intersection of Church, State and politics and the examination of whether you are allowing your faith to shape your politics or your politics starting to shape your faith. What do you do when God and government come face to face?
Panelists: Dr. Timothy Golden, Professor of Philosophy Walla Walla University; Todd McFarland, Deputy General Counsel General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Jo St. George, General Counsel and Chief Equity Officer at FHG Media Enterprises, LLC.; and Tim Schultz, President of 1st Amendment Partnership-An organization dedicated to protecting religious freedom for Americans of all faiths.
About Us: North American Division Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) is a ministry dedicated to proclaiming and defending the God-given gift of religious freedom which is integral to our identity as Seventh-day Adventist Christians. Learn more about PARL at www.religiousliberty.info.
Panelists
Dr. Timothy Golden
Todd McFarland
Jo St. George
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