Freedom From Religion Foundation
Clergy housing allowance is constitutional, appeals court rules
By Adelle M. Banks — March 19, 2019
(RNS) — The Freedom From Religion Foundation argued that the allowance gives ministers a religious benefit, but the court determined in a unanimous ruling that it did not overly entangle church and state.
Portland bans discrimination against atheists, other nonbelievers
By Tracy Simmons — March 4, 2019
(RNS) — Portland now bans discrimination against atheists, agnostics, and those who don't believe in "god or gods."
Legal battle continues over religious leader housing tax break
By Jack Jenkins — October 26, 2018
(RNS) — 'The government cannot discriminate against atheist leaders and reward religious leaders,' said a plaintiff in the case.
Freedom from Religion Foundation group sues IRS over tax exemption
By Adelle M. Banks — October 11, 2018
(RNS) — In its complaint, the charity said it 'objects to having to file Form 990 while churches and church-related organizations do not.'
How ‘pro bono’ offers to defend religious monuments are stressing local governments
By Andrew L. Seidel — March 7, 2018
(RNS) — Pro bono? Not even a penny? The old adage holds: This sounds too good to be true. And it is, says Andrew L. Seidel.
House Republicans’ proposed tax reform will lead to church regulation
By Andrew L. Seidel — November 28, 2017
(RNS) — Permitting tax-exempt churches to engage in partisan politicking would throw untold millions — even billions is no exaggeration — of dark money into U.S. elections.
Federal judge strikes down tax-free housing for clergy
By Lauren Markoe — October 10, 2017
(AP) — The judge ruled that the exemption provides an unconstitutional benefit to religious persons and no one else, violating the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Secularists sue House chaplain on National Day of Prayer
By Kimberly Winston — May 5, 2016
(RNS) The Freedom From Religion Foundation fights denial of a secular invocation before Congress.
Texas sheriff sued for placing crosses on patrol cars
By Aysha Khan — March 3, 2016
(RNS) A First Amendment watchdog group is suing a Texas sheriff for placing Christian cross decals on several county patrol vehicles.
Georgia school district repudiates baptisms on football field
By Reuters — September 15, 2015
ATLANTA (Reuters) Carroll County schools' assistant superintendent said in a statement on that the baptisms violated school district policy and that the district did not know the ceremony was scheduled to be held at the high school.
School district investigates mass baptism filmed at football practice
By Matthew Pearl — September 1, 2015
VILLA RICA, Ga. — The video, posted by First Baptist Villa Rica, was shot on school grounds just before football practice. "Take a look and see how God is STILL in our schools!" the caption with the video reads.
Kansas town laments forced removal of Jesus picture from school
By Reuters — August 25, 2015
(Reuters) Local churches and other groups are offering to house the portrait, which had hung in the school since at least the 1950s, and community leaders have been working to defuse anger over its removal.
Can there be an ‘atheist vote’? Nonreligious set sights on 2016
By Kimberly Winston — May 28, 2015
(RNS) As the 2016 election approaches, atheist, humanist and other freethinking activists are encouraged by a Pew Research Center survey that found a growing number of religiously unaffiliated -- or "nones."
Hobby Lobby president’s Bible curriculum shelved by Oklahoma school district
By Adelle M. Banks — November 26, 2014
(RNS) "In summary, the topic of a Bible course in the Mustang School District is no longer a discussion item nor is there a plan to provide such a course in the foreseeable future," Mustang Public Schools Superintendent Sean McDaniel said.
Court rejects atheists’ demand to end tax break for clergy housing
By Kimberly Winston — November 13, 2014
(RNS) Supporters say the clergy tax breaks helps compensate ministers and rabbis for their role in providing social services and pad their "modest salaries."
