Show notes:
In the first segment, our panelists discuss a victory for two Michigan elementary students whose school initially barred them from singing Christian songs at a talent show. After attorneys intervened, the school reversed its decision, affirming the students’ constitutional right to express their faith. The discussion explores religious expression in public schools, how educators navigate First Amendment rights, and why viewpoint neutrality is vital to protecting students of all beliefs in academic and extracurricular settings.
In the second segment of the show, we explore the court case Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of Santa Ana, where a Chinese and Taiwanese-American congregation was denied a permit to use its property for worship—despite prior city approval. The case highlights the protections offered under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and raises questions about fairness, discrimination, and how zoning laws can impact religious communities seeking to gather freely.
About the Show: Faith and 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: Stephen Allred, Director of Government Relations for the Church State Council; Rushern Baker President and CEO of the Baker Strategy Group and Former Member of Maryland House of Delegates and Former County Executive; Judith Hawkins, Former Judge and Attorney in Tallahassee Florida; Jennifer Woods, General Counsel and Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for theLake Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
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
Stephen N. Allred
Rushern L. Baker III
Judith Hawkins
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