Faith Facts

• The Archdiocese of Denver, Catholic preschools, and a Catholic family are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review Colorado’s exclusion of faith-based preschools from a universal pre-K program.
• The Colorado Universal Preschool Program requires all participants to sign a nondiscrimination agreement relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, which conflicted with the schools’ religious convictions.
• A federal appeals court upheld Colorado’s policy, but the plaintiffs argue it violates the First Amendment rights of religious institutions.

Families seeking a Christian preschool education in Colorado are facing obstacles because of requirements tied to secular values. The conflict centers on whether Catholic preschools can uphold their faith principles without being excluded from state benefits.

Religious liberty advocates warn that denying equal participation to faith-based schools harms America’s tradition of freedom of conscience. They urge the Supreme Court to protect the right of Christian families to access preschool programs in accordance with their beliefs.

“Colorado is picking winners and losers based on the content of their religious beliefs,” said Nick Reaves, senior counsel at Becket. “That sort of religious discrimination flies in the face of our nation’s traditions and decades of Supreme Court rulings. We’re asking the Court to step in and make sure ‘universal’ preschool really is universal.”

The outcome of this legal battle will impact the ability of faith communities to educate children according to biblical foundations. Stand firm in praying that our schools and families remain free to follow their Christian convictions.

Read the full story here.

Faith Facts

• The Kennedy Center will host “Noel: Jesus is Born!” on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Opera House, Washington, D.C.
• Charles Billingsley and his Yuletide Orchestra will perform, featuring Bible readings and a live Nativity scene.
• Billingsley, a Christian musician and teaching pastor, has headlined thousands of concerts and is an advocate for faith-based celebrations.

This Christmas, the Kennedy Center welcomes families to experience the story of Jesus’ birth with music grounded in Christian tradition and biblical truth. The event is designed to foster memorable celebrations that honor the sacred meaning of Christmas in a cherished American institution.

Kennedy Center leaders are spotlighting the importance of Christ’s birth during this season with a significant public gathering, reinforcing faith and family at the nation’s cultural heart.

“Tis the season to create cherished memories and celebrate the sacred alongside the festive.”

Billingsley’s ministry through music continues with additional Christmas concerts in cities across the country, demonstrating the enduring impact of his faith-driven mission.

Other Christmas programming at the Kennedy Center this year includes performances by the Cincinnati Ballet, Melinda Doolittle, and Gregory Porter.

Read the full report at The Christian Post

Faith Facts

• Three more Council of Churches Baptist congregations were banned in southern Russia for refusing to register with the state.
• Court rulings in Timashyovsk, Armavir, and Tuapse cited absence of notification about church activities, not gross violations.
• Russian law remains unclear on what justifies a ban, yet authorities continue to pressure unregistered Protestant groups.

Russian courts have increased restrictions on unregistered Baptist churches, further threatening religious liberty for Bible-believing Christians. The faith-based Council of Churches Baptists sees court-ordered registration requirements as state control that violates their religious convictions.

Authorities entered church buildings during worship services and questioned pastors about their legal status. Many of these pastors and church members have received fines for leading worship, distributing Christian literature, or gathering without state approval.

“The reason these churches choose not to register lies in their foundational purpose,” a recent statement from International Christian Concern explained. “The Council of Churches Baptists was established during the Cold War to resist Soviet control over its congregations, unlike registered churches, which were strictly regulated by the state. Although the Council continued its activities after the fall of the Soviet Union and now meets openly, they do so only in private homes or on private land.”

Almost all banned Council churches are located in Krasnodar, but similar actions have expanded throughout Russia. Many believers continue to worship despite government threats and legislative attempts to further restrict where Christians can gather, placing faith and freedom on the line.

Despite pressure, these faithful Christians remain steadfast, committed to Biblical principles and their constitutional right to assemble for worship. Their resolve is a testimony to the enduring value of religious liberty in the face of adversity.

Read the full report at Christian Today