Like all issues before the United States Supreme Court, our case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer, will have a significant impact nationwide. But for people of faith, the stakes are even higher than normal. Full Article
When the Supreme Court hears oral argument in the case on April 19, it will confront the question whether a state can exclude religious people or organizations from neutral, secular public benefit programs.
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On April 19, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer. Like all cases before the High Court, this one will have a significant impact nationwide. But what would a win in Trinity Lutheran mean for you? To understand that, let me explain what the case is about.
A few years ago, four Supreme Court justices wrote an opinion in a different case that sums up the principle at stake in Trinity Lutheran:
For centuries now, people have come to this country from every corner of the world to share in the blessing of religious freedom. Our Constitution promises that they may worship in their own way, without fear of penalty or danger, and that in itself is a momentous offering. Yet our Constitution makes a commitment still more remarkable—that however those individuals worship, they will count as full and equal American citizens. A Christian, a Jew, a Muslim (and so forth)—each stands in the same relationship with her country, with her state and local communities, and with every level and body of government. So that when each person performs the duties or seeks the benefits of citizenship, she does so not as an adherent to one or another religion, but simply as an American.
When people of faith seek the benefits of citizenship, like the scrap tire grant in Missouri or any other secular benefit, they deserve to be treated not as religious, but simply as Americans. That’s what a win in Trinity Lutheran means for you.