When conflict or disaster shatters communities, the wounds are not only physical. Parents under extreme stress often struggle to care for children, and unaddressed trauma can echo for generations. Recognizing this hidden dimension of crisis, World Relief—a global Christian humanitarian organization—has launched a sweeping new program called Hope Groups, designed […]
Steven Bowcut
31 posts
As Ukraine defends its sovereignty against Russia’s full-scale invasion, a significant conflict has arisen regarding the future of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The government has taken legal action to ban the UOC, citing its historical ties to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).This confrontation raises profound questions about religious liberty […]
In an era often marked by political polarization, social fragmentation, and rising rates of loneliness and mental illness, many Americans are seeking answers to life’s most pressing questions. What fosters resilience in individuals? What holds communities together? What contributes to purpose, peace, and human flourishing? Increasingly, both empirical research and […]
The past month has witnessed significant developments for religious freedom in courts, legislatures, and communities worldwide. The table below summarises five notable stories, and the sections that follow provide context and analysis. # Story & Date Location Key Issue 1 U.S. Supreme Court grants parents’ opt‑out rights in Mahmoud v. […]
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, a renewed debate over the meaning of the First Amendment’s religion clauses has emerged at the heart of American discourse. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson recently contributed a compelling and timely article, The True Meaning of ‘The Separation of Church and […]
“Parents do not forfeit their rights as primary educators of their children when they send their kids to public schools.” In a landmark decision with far-reaching implications, the Supreme Court affirmed parental rights and religious liberty in education in the recent 6-3 ruling of Mahmoud v. Taylor. The case, which […]
On June 16, 2025, the newly formed Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Donald Trump to advise him on issues of faith, conscience, and law, convened its inaugural hearing at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The meeting brought together notable religious leaders, legal scholars, and cultural figures […]
Introduction In a significant decision affirming religious autonomy, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling in Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission on June 5, 2025. The decision underscores the rights of religious organizations to manage their internal operations in accordance with their faith and […]
In a major development for religious liberty and school choice, the U.S. Supreme Court has deadlocked in a high-profile case that could have opened the door to publicly funded religious charter schools. By splitting 4–4, the justices allowed a lower court decision to stand, blocking Oklahoma’s attempt to fund what […]
In recent years, religious freedom cases have increasingly drawn public attention, often framed as conservative victories. Indeed, recent judicial and legislative successes for politically conservative religious groups have sparked concern from many on the political left. However, a closer examination reveals that religious liberty has historically and continues to protect […]