Pastor Stories

Young Church Stands Up for Religious Liberty

We were a new church, renting a large room at the local community college one time a month for 5 months as we started our services. Once we moved to weekly services we were told we would no longer be able to use their facilities because we were a church holding services. The college had in place a policy that stated they would not rent for such activities. It is quite a scary feeling to not be sure where you will meet the following week. We knew God is there and continues to assure us that everything is in His hands. But the scriptures also challenge us to act on our faith and stand for injustice. So what do you do? I knew the ADF was there to help in these situations but had no idea how they could. I was not really sure what they do or how they carry it out.

With one quick phone call they responded immediately. It was a great comfort to know they were there, but it was so much assuring seeing them move into action. They were not only able to respond to long term action but also our urgent need as well.

One of our fears was that people in the community around us would not understand and yet we found just the opposite. Although some did not understand the larger issues at stake, many were grateful we took action and admired us taking a stand. Through this one of the many things learned in the process was; boards, presidents, administrators, etc. are not really anti-religious. They are just acting out of fear because somewhere along the line they have learned that to allow religious groups the same privileges as others is a violation of the law. It is a shame that it takes these kinds of situations to teach others that just the opposite is the case. Any group should have the rights granted and should not be discriminated against because of their beliefs.

I can’t express enough the comfort it was to have the ADF there to protect the rights we have in this country. I am especially grateful to Daniel Blomberg for his continued interaction with us during the whole process. We are grateful to God that even though many things did not go the way we hoped, it was a victory and the college changed their policy.

Pastor Kenny Mulligan

NorthPointe Church, Binghamton, NY

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