Churches, faith-based nonprofits, religious schools and educational institutions, and individual Christians are under tremendous societal pressure these days to acquiesce to changing cultural standards regarding sexuality, including same-sex marriage, claims of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) discrimination, and other sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI) issues. As believers, we are called to live under God’s authority and with a consistent understanding of Biblical truths about human sexuality.

But such truths seem to be increasingly colliding with so-called “social equality” rights pushed by vocal proponents. Most recently, by a narrow majority, the United States Supreme Court ruled in late June 2015 that same-sex couples have a “fundamental right” to marry. As a result, religious institutions and individuals are likely to face various conflicts between this newly created constitutional right and their religious freedom and free speech.

Churches, pastors, Christian schools, and all Christians need to know the practical reasons for upholding marriage between one man and one woman, and be prepared for new laws that do not necessarily provide adequate protections for religious persons and for “test” cases seeking to push the limits of existing laws.

---

CLICK ON YOUR SPECIFIC AREA BELOW FOR OUR WEBINAR, WHITE PAPERS, AND MODEL LANGUAGE.

Guidance for Churches

Guidance for Christian Schools & Colleges

Guidance for Religious Nonprofit Organizations

---

CLS seeks to educate these groups about current critical legal issues and help them navigate through these legal minefields of sexuality-related issues, particularly in light of rapidly shifting cultural norms and accompanying legal changes. We have resources for all three groups because while applicable legal considerations may be related, they can also be distinctly different. Kim Colby, Director of CLS’ Center for Law and Religious Freedom, wrote two articles addressing these current struggles and surrounding issues: Practical Steps that Religious Institutions Should Consider in a Post-Obergefell World and The Current Legal Landscape Regarding Same-sex Marriage, Religious Liberty, and Nondiscrimination Law. These articles are a great overview to the resources above.

CLS membership is not required to participate. All are welcome to attend webinars and download the guidance materials.