Faith
Teacher’s Settlement Sparks Debate on Religious Freedom
In a significant affirmation of religious freedom and traditional values, a Wisconsin teacher has successfully settled with the Argyle School District after facing termination for adhering to his Christian beliefs. Jordan Cernek, who was dismissed in May 2023, refused to comply with a district mandate requiring staff to use preferred names and pronouns for trans-identified students, citing his religious convictions.
The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) announced that the district agreed to a $20,000 settlement, concluding the legal battle that began with a lawsuit filed in July 2024. This lawsuit argued that Cernek’s termination violated both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the First Amendment, as well as the Wisconsin Constitution’s protections of religious freedom.
“To avoid acting contrary to his religious convictions, Mr. Cernek made the District aware of his religious objection to this requirement and agreed not to use any names when referring to students,” the WILL announcement stated. Despite this compromise, the district warned Cernek that failure to comply would lead to disciplinary action, culminating in the non-renewal of his teaching contract.
Cernek expressed gratitude for the resolution and remains committed to encouraging fellow educators to uphold their beliefs. “I am grateful that there was some resolution to this matter and will continue to encourage teachers to stand up for their beliefs,” he stated.
Nathalie Burmeister, Associate Counsel for WILL, underscored the broader implications of this victory for religious freedom, calling it a “core liberty that our nation and state were founded upon.” She added, “Jordan’s victory is critical to advancing the cause of religious freedom across the country.”
This case is part of a larger trend where educators face professional consequences for adhering to their religious beliefs. Notably, Kansas math teacher Pamela Ricard and Virginia French teacher Peter Vlaming both faced similar challenges and reached substantial settlements with their respective districts. These cases highlight the ongoing struggle to balance religious convictions with progressive policies in educational settings.
In response to such incidents, several states have enacted laws to protect teachers who choose not to use preferred names and pronouns due to religious objections. Wyoming and Idaho have taken legislative steps to safeguard the rights of educators and state employees, reinforcing the importance of religious freedom and individual conscience.
As we navigate these challenging times, the importance of standing firm in our faith and values cannot be overstated. The resolution of Cernek’s case serves as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the enduring principles of faith, family, and freedom that have long been the bedrock of our great nation.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The Christian Chronicle paused its October 2025 print edition due to the sudden closure of its long-serving printing press in Missouri.
- After decades as a university subsidiary, the publication became a fully independent nonprofit in June, moving vital systems and resources on their own.
- Rising costs and industry shifts have forced the Chronicle to consider reducing annual print issues and adopting alternative formats.
The Christian Chronicle faced unexpected challenges when their Missouri printing press shut down, leading to the cancellation of the October 2025 print issue. Staff quickly partnered with a new press in Dallas to continue sharing news rooted in Christian values.
Recent steps toward nonprofit independence called for moving critical data and systems away from Oklahoma Christian University, marking a significant transition. This journey reflects a spirit of perseverance and gratitude for the faithful support of their Christian community.
Printing and postage costs have surged, prompting the Chronicle to prayerfully consider fewer print editions and explore formats that best steward their mission. The publication continues to ask its readers for feedback, aiming to strengthen outreach while maintaining core faith principles.
The road ahead involves trust in God’s guidance and a commitment to serving readers with truth, integrity, and love for the body of Christ.
Faith Facts
- Venezuela’s Maduro and first lady were detained by U.S. military, facing charges for cooperating with terror-linked gangs.
- The regime leveraged religion for power, rewarding compliant churches and persecuting those who opposed government abuse.
- Faith communities now face uncertainty amid ongoing threats from entrenched criminal networks and unresolved legitimacy concerns.
On January 3, 2026, Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife were detained by U.S. forces and brought to New York, signaling a seismic shift in the nation’s leadership. President Trump declared temporary U.S. control over Venezuela, leaving many faithful citizens to grapple with the consequences for religious liberty and biblical values in the region.
Venezuela’s faithful have endured years of increasing government oppression. The Maduro regime manipulated religion, dividing believers by supporting preferred denominations and punishing those who questioned state abuses.
Catholic bishops and Protestant leaders were intimidated, had property attacked, and risked exile for defending human rights against state-backed collectives. Organized crime, including guerrilla and cartel groups, partnered with the regime to further suppress faith communities and force Christian institutions to distribute propaganda.
These criminal elements, from Colombian guerrillas to Hezbollah-linked networks, used violence and threats to erode religious freedom. Their deep entrenchment means that challenges remain even after Maduro’s removal.
The path forward raises serious moral questions: Will dismantling the “cartel-state” restore genuine freedom for Venezuela’s faithful, or will criminal power structures persist? How can believers advocate for true democracy and not simply exchange one form of oppression for another?
History cautions us—U.S. interventions rarely guarantee stability or justice, as believers learned in nations like Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. Faith-based organizations in Venezuela have courageously sustained ministries of mercy despite persecution. Their future now depends on whether new leadership honors God-given rights and fosters real liberty.
Now is the time for the Christian community to pray, seek wisdom, and stand firm for religious freedom in Venezuela and across the world. Let us raise our voices so that biblical truth and justice prevail.
Faith Facts
- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will hold several worldwide festivals and celebrations in 2026 to spread the Gospel.
- Franklin Graham and Will Graham are leading events from Cambodia and Argentina to Spain and the U.S., including critical local church partnerships.
- A focus on discipleship ensures that every new believer is connected with Bible-teaching churches for ongoing spiritual growth.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association will bring the message of Jesus Christ to nations and cities across the globe in 2026, uniting believers and reaching the lost. Led by Franklin and Will Graham, these outreaches emphasize hope, forgiveness, and the transforming power of the Gospel.
“In 2026, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association is proclaiming the Gospel at home and abroad, sharing the hope and joy that come only from a relationship with Jesus Christ,” wrote Madysen Scarborough, an editor for the ministry.
Through close partnerships with hundreds of local churches in places like Cambodia, Peru, and England, these evangelistic efforts aim for lasting impact by fostering discipleship and strengthening faith communities. Major cities and remote towns alike will receive opportunities to hear the Good News.
Will Graham will also minister in Mississippi, Japan, and South Korea, building on the Graham family’s faithful legacy of evangelism. Hispanic Ministries will equip Spanish-speaking believers in the U.S. through Unidos Conferences, emphasizing outreach and service grounded in Christ’s love.
As the global community gathers in prayer, the ministry seeks to honor God by proclaiming the redemption and peace found in a relationship with Jesus, advancing faith, family, and freedom for all generations.
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