Religious Freedom Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

About-Face: NYPD Ditches Hijab Removal Requirement for Mugshots

November 17th, 2020

In a change several years in the making, the NYPD will now no longer require Muslim women who've been arrested to remove their hijab for their mugshot. Advocates say it's a win-win for policing and religious freedom. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 12 Comments »

Christian Employees Fired for Refusing to Wear LGBT Rainbow Emblem, Lawsuit Alleges

September 17th, 2020

Grocery chain Kroger is being sued by two Christian former employees who say their religious rights were violated when they were fired after refusing to wear an emblem they interpreted as pro-LGBT. Is it discrimination? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 153 Comments »

Cake Wars II: Christian Asks LGBT-Owned Cake Shop to Make Anti-Gay Cake

August 25th, 2020

During Pride Month, a well-known LGBT cake shop owner received an order for a cake with an anti-gay message written on it. Assuming the cake orderer was trying to bait her into a lawsuit, the shop owner called his bluff. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 44 Comments »

Meet the "Intactivists" – Leaders of the Anti-Circumcision Movement

August 13th, 2020

There's a growing movement in America to ban circumcision: They call themselves 'Intactivists'. But their movement is in direct opposition to Jewish and Muslim faiths, which mandate circumcision as a religious rite. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 43 Comments »

Churches Sue California Over Ban on Singing

July 23rd, 2020

A trio of evangelical churches are suing California governor Gavin Newsom, saying that the state's ban on singing in churches unfairly targets Christians' freedom of religion. Is singing a fundamental part of worship? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 143 Comments »

Conversion Therapy Advocates Win Legal Battle Against NYC

July 16th, 2020

Conversion therapy advocates scored a rare legal win against New York City, as NYC is forced to pay out over $100,000 in damages and attorney's fees to an Orthodox Jewish psychiatrist who offers conversion therapy. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights | 51 Comments »

Does Wearing a Mask Go Against God's Will?

June 25th, 2020

The message from public health officials is clear: wear a mask to help protect yourself and others from coronavirus. But not everyone is on board – particularly some members of the faith community. Would God approve? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 213 Comments »

Ohio Lawmaker Defies Mask Policy, Claiming 'Faces are the Likeness of God'

May 12th, 2020

Representative Nino Vitale is defying recommendations to wear masks while in public to limit the spread of COVID-19 by claiming a religious exemption. He says faces are the "likeness of God" and should not be covered. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 48 Comments »

Evangelical Pastor Arrested for Holding Church Service During Coronavirus Pandemic

April 3rd, 2020

Evangelical pastor Rodney Howard-Browne has been arrested for continuing to hold church services in spite of a countywide order to close all non-essential businesses due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 83 Comments »

NYC Mayor Threatens Churches Holding Services During COVID-19 with Shutdown

April 1st, 2020

With some churches still holding services in NYC against the state's guidelines for combating COVID-19, Mayor Bill de Blasio is saying he'll shutter churches permanently if they continue to host weekly services. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 106 Comments »