Faith Facts

• A Maine mother is fighting the school district after officials encouraged her daughter to socially transition without parental consent.
• The Goldwater Institute is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing parental rights are protected by the Constitution.
• Similar cases from parents in other states are seeking relief from the Supreme Court.

Amber Lavigne, a mother from Maine, is seeking justice after discovering that her daughter was given a chest binder and referred to by a male name and pronouns by school staff without her knowledge. She has partnered with the Goldwater Institute to bring her case before the U.S. Supreme Court after lower courts ruled against her.

This case highlights the importance of parental rights and the role of faith-driven families in shaping their children’s upbringing. Lavigne’s stand reflects a commitment to Christian principles, advocating for transparency and truth in education.

“Not only does it not make sense, by keeping this information from Amber, the Great Salt Bay Community School violated the U.S. Constitution,” Goldwater Institute attorney Adam Shelton said. “We are asking the Supreme Court to step in and make it clear that parents like Amber have a right to know when public school officials make important decisions affecting the mental health and physical well-being of their children.”

“This situation really is about my parental rights being violated, about a social worker who had never even had a conversation with me encouraging my child to keep secrets from me, to tell her … ‘Look, I’m not going to tell your mom and you don’t have to either,’” Lavigne stated.

Christian families must remain vigilant in these challenging times, standing firm in faith and defending the rights God gives to parents to educate and guide their children.

Read the full report here

Faith Facts

• A devastating fire severely damaged the historic Vondelkerk church in Amsterdam on New Year’s Day, forcing the evacuation of local residents but causing no injuries.
• Originally built in the 1870s for Catholic worship, the Vondelkerk had been restored from disrepair and functioned as a cultural venue, preserving its faith-driven roots in the community.
• The church, designed by renowned architect Pierre Cuypers, had previously suffered a fire in 1904; a new restoration appeal is now underway by preservationists seeking to save this legacy of faith and heritage.

The fire erupted shortly after midnight, quickly overtaking the church’s neo-Gothic tower and leading to its collapse. Surrounding homes were safely cleared, and temporary shelter was arranged for displaced families.

Structural reviews indicate the interior and tower sustained heavy damage while the outer church walls may still be preserved by God’s grace.

“There were no indications that anyone was inside the building when the fire started,” stated Marco de Leeuw, spokesperson for the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the fire’s cause, noting current speculation linking the incident to citywide New Year’s fireworks lacks evidence. Police and fire officials will continue their investigation over the coming weeks.

As the Netherlands introduces stricter rules and nationwide bans on consumer fireworks, believers are reminded of our duty to safeguard sacred places and the foundation they provide for faith, family, and community values.

May this tragic event inspire renewed commitment to preserving our Christian heritage and lifting up all those affected through prayer and support.

Read the full story at Christian Today

Faith Facts

• Dennis Prager spoke about gratitude as central to his recovery.
• He addressed the importance of faith throughout his physical challenges.
• His reflections also honored the significance of Israel from a faith perspective.

Conservative leader Dennis Prager opened up about his journey of healing after suffering a serious spinal cord injury that resulted in paralysis. He emphasized that maintaining a spirit of thankfulness has been vital in his time of adversity.

During a recent PragerU interview with CEO Marissa Streit, Prager discussed his recovery, his faith, and his support for Israel. His resilience stands as a testament to relying on God’s strength during life’s hardest trials.

Prager’s testimony reminds believers to trust in God’s goodness and remain grateful, even in the midst of great hardship. Stay steadfast in faith, knowing the Lord carries us through every battle.

Read the full article here.