August 12, 2008"Approved workmen are not ashamed." Those are the words found in 2 Timothy 2:15 and the foundation for the Christian ministry, Awana – which derives its name from the first letters in the words of that wonderful verse. For nearly 60 years, Awana has been a leader in children’s ministry, helping churches and parents worldwide raise children with a Christian worldview and a solid foundation in the Christian faith. In fact, there are 12,000 churches in all 50 states running Awana programs right now. But one church in Arizona is having trouble inviting students to its Awana program.
Under its literature distribution program, the Maricopa Unified School District allows nonprofit organizations to distribute literature promoting events and activities "that extend the community’s cultural, recreational, artistic, or educational opportunities." However, groups expressing a religious viewpoint are specifically barred from participating.
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Christians have the same First Amendment rights as anyone else in America," said ADF Senior Legal Counsel David Cortman. "
School districts cannot treat people or groups with non-religious viewpoints more favorably than those with religious viewpoints."
Yet, that is exactly what is happening to members of the First Baptist Church of Maricopa. They tried to send fliers home with students at a nearby school, promoting their Awana Journey 24 Club, a weekly Bible study program for high school students. However, they were told that, due to the religious content and viewpoint of their materials, they would not be allowed to promote the program.
This is a clear violation of the First Amendment. If "cultural, recreational, artistic and educational" events can be promoted, why are "religious" activities specifically excluded? ADF attorneys have filed a lawsuit in federal court on behalf of the church and have also filed a motion requesting that the school be prohibited from barring the fliers from its literature distribution program while the case moves forward in court.
You can read a copy of the suit by clicking here.By God’s grace, we will win. Approved workmen are not ashamed. At ADF, we are proud to represent God’s people when they face religious discrimination. Pray for our attorneys as they prepare to fight this case against the misguided leaders of the Maricopa Unified School District. Pray also that God would open the eyes of those leaders, so that they would realize the error of their ways and allow the First Baptist Church of Maricopa to promote a program that could have a positive impact on many students.
UPDATE
Praise God! On Wednesday, 8/13/08,
the Maricopa Unified School District reversed course and will allow the distribution of fliers promoting the Awana Journey 24 Club by the First Baptist Church of Maricopa.
ADF Legal Counsel Jeremy Tedesco responds to the news:
"We appreciate the school district's decision to do the right thing. We look forward to a change in district policy that will make that good decision permanent so that the free speech rights of community members and groups will continue to be protected." |