The NC Values Institute filed this amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse the Ninth Circuit in Foothills Christian Ministries v. Johnson and reaffirm the long-standing church autonomy doctrine, which protects religious organizations from government intrusion into matters of faith, doctrine, and internal governance. The brief argues that California unlawfully interfered with Foothills Christian Ministries’ church-run preschool by forcing it to post government-mandated notices and allow outside spiritual advisors on church property—requirements that undermine the church’s religious mission and parental expectations. NCVI explains that religious schools exist to form children in the faith chosen by their parents, and that the Constitution gives churches “special solicitude” to govern their own ministries without state control. At stake, the brief warns, is whether the government may override church authority and compel religious institutions to communicate messages and facilitate practices that contradict their doctrine.
“As a society, we need to cherish the institutions that bring us into existence, and give our existence meaning. I believe human flourishing starts with the heart and the home.”
“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
“… if we descend still lower and go down to families, it is true even there that the village is composed of families and not that the families are cut from the village. The family was there first, and only then could the village take shape. Finally, if the village vanished there would still be families; but if the households were to disband the village too would come to an end.”
Paid for by the NC Values Institute.
The Institute for Faith and Family is a non-partisan, statewide non-profit education organization that qualifies for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is based in Raleigh, NC.
