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May 2025 Three Landmark Cases Could Redefine Religious Freedom As the U.S. Supreme Court deliberates cases poised to redefine religious liberty, ministries must brace for the profound implications these decisions may have on their operations, missions, and principles.

U.S. Supreme Court Cases
Case #1: Who gets to decide if your ministry is religious enough? Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission: The pending U.S. Supreme Court decision could either affirm or erode the autonomy of faith-based organizations in defining their own religious mission. It also could affect the scope of religious exemptions nationwide. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Case #2: How would gender-transition treatment bans shape your ministry’s policies? United States v. Skrmetti: Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1) bans gender-transition treatments for minors, including puberty blockers and hormone therapies. If Tennessee’s SB1 is upheld, faith-based organizations may find it easier to align their policies on gender identity with their religious convictions. If the law is struck down, ministries could face increased pressure to adopt policies that may conflict with their beliefs. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Case #3: What is the impact of counseling restrictions on faith-based guidance in ministries? Chiles v. Salazar: A Colorado law prohibits any counseling aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity, even when the minor or their parents request it. A ruling in favor of the counselor could reaffirm the right of ministries to provide faith-based guidance consistent with their beliefs. A ruling that upholds Colorado’s ban would mean that ministries offering counseling services could face significant limitations, especially when addressing sensitive topics. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read

Federal Cases/Policy Changes
Case #1: How could ministries be required to fund employee reproductive health options? Cedar Park Assembly of God v. Kreidler: A ministry is being compelled to provide health insurance that funds abortions—an act that directly contradicts its deeply held religious convictions. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Case #2: Why could your ministry be required to hire employees with conflicting values? CompassCare v. Hochul: What happens when a ministry is told it must employ individuals whose personal choices are not aligned with its mission? This is the issue CompassCare, a pro-life organization in New York, is facing under New York Labor Law Section 203-e, which prohibits employers from making hiring or firing decisions based on reproductive health choices. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read
Policy Change: How would your ministry prepare for an immigration raid? The recent rescission of federal directives designating churches and schools as safe sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants could have significant implications for faith communities across the United States. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read

State Cases
Case #1: How would an abuse claim from 50 years ago impact your ministry financially? What if your ministry could be sued for child abuse claims from decades ago? This scenario has become a reality in Maryland, where a new law eliminates time limits for filing such lawsuits. Take a Deeper Dive: 3 minute read

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