Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 6, 2024 at 3:01 PM

First Look: Our New Year's resolution is MORE freedom

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in January |   The ball has dropped. The crowds have gone home. And the confetti has been cleaned up. 2024 is well underway and thanks to your support we’re back to fighting for what matters most. As ma…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 5, 2024 at 12:31 PM

What if the government told you how to raise your kids?

First Liberty Institute Supreme Court asked to hear vital case involving parental rights and religious freedom | Will Supreme Court Protect Parents Who Want to Raise Children Consistent with Their Faith? We filed a brief at the U.S. Supreme Court this week ar…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 3, 2024 at 8:01 PM

Ohio Pastor CHARGED for Opening Church Doors to the Homeless

First Liberty Institute Facing 18+ criminal violations, police showed up to church last Sunday | January 3, 2024 Pastor Chris Avell of Dad’s Place—a church in Bryan, Ohio—is facing criminal charges. Why? Because Pastor Chris opened his church 24 hours a day, 7 days…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

January 1, 2024 at 2:31 AM

FWD: Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   John, did you see this? If you haven’t, please take just a few moments to read the email below to learn how your year-end gift can make a huge impact. There are only a few hours left befo…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2023 at 11:32 PM

Be a Catalyst for Freedom

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   Dear John, 2023 has been an incredible year here at First Liberty. I just want to say thank you. So many faithful friends like you stepped up to the plate to join us in our effort…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2023 at 8:31 PM

The Dangers We Face

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   Dear John, I like to say that there are no small victories in the fight for faith. Winning a case can make a major impact in a neighborhood...a community...a state. It can even im…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 31, 2023 at 12:31 PM

The Heroes We Fight For

First Liberty Institute Last day to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   Dear John, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to double your impact in the fight for faith. Your gift will give us the means to protect religious freedom and deliver more hope in 2024. With less tha…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 30, 2023 at 2:01 PM

Why There Is Still Work To Do

First Liberty Institute Just ONE DAY Left to double your impact with our $600k Matching Grant |   Dear John, Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Throughout 2023, you have been the catalyst for securing the future of religious freedom. Tomorrow, December …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 29, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Hope for 2024, but the fight is not over

First Liberty Institute Plenty of battles ahead and opportunities to impact the future of our country | There’s Hope for Religious Freedom in 2024,  But the Fight’s Not Over What a remarkable year it’s been for religious liberty in America! President, CEO &am…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 28, 2023 at 5:34 PM

First Liberty Live! What's Ahead in 2024

First Liberty Institute Watch Kelly Shackelford unpack what’s ahead for First Liberty in 2024 | As we close out December, we begin to look ahead to the upcoming year. The challenges that lay ahead are daunting, and the stakes have never been higher. In 2024, we’ll be facing o…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 27, 2023 at 7:01 PM

Third Time's a Charm?

First Liberty Institute After 10 years, the Kleins are still fighting for faith |   Dear John, More than a decade ago, Aaron and Melissa Klein declined to design and create a custom cake to celebrate a same-sex wedding. They believed that creating a cake to celebrate …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 26, 2023 at 5:31 PM

It's Because They're Jewish

First Liberty Institute Jewish family faces hostility and discrimination from Florida HOA |   Dear John, Sometimes, it is hard to imagine how someone could hate so much. When I learned of the plight of Rabbi Naftaly Hertzel and his family, that’s all I could think abo…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 23, 2023 at 3:03 PM

Merry Christmas

First Liberty Institute A special Christmas message from Kelly Shackelford |   Dear John, Merry Christmas from all of us here at First Liberty! This Christmas, as we celebrate the one who makes our spiritual freedom possible, there is one message that I want to leave …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 22, 2023 at 12:31 PM

2023 Year in Review: What a huge difference you're making!

First Liberty Institute 2 Supreme Court wins in 1 year + MANY more triumphs nationwide to celebrate | A Remarkable Year of Victories and Blessings, Thanks to Your Support You’re playing an important role in bringing significant change for religious freedom in…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 21, 2023 at 5:31 PM

First Liberty Live! The Year in Review

First Liberty Institute Hear about our Biggest and Best cases this year | 2023 has been an incredible year for religious freedom. Together, we’ve completely changed the landscape in the fight for faith. This year alone, we’ve won for houses of worship, synagogues, health care…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 19, 2023 at 5:31 PM

Why There Is Reason for Hope

First Liberty Institute Don’t allow the enemies of faith to steal your freedom |   Dear John, The fight to defend religious freedom is never easy. Let’s face it. We have gone through many trials together this year. The Constitution and our First Amendment rights seem …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 17, 2023 at 11:30 PM

A True Leap of Faith

First Liberty Institute Learn why Kelley Mclean fights for religious freedom | December 17, 2023 Dear John, Have you ever thought you had God’s plan for your life figured out only to have Him take you in a different direction? The truth is that sometimes God uses the jo…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 15, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Public Buses Reject Religious Ads

First Liberty Institute Washington Metro Area Transit Authority refuses to run ads on America’s founding | Ads About America’s Religious History  Not Allowed on Public Buses? The Washington Metro Area Transit Authority rejected several ads submitted by WallBu…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 14, 2023 at 5:31 PM

Faith from a Candy Cane

First Liberty Institute Learn about our biggest holiday cases | It’s getting close to Christmas and that means that First Liberty is celebrating the best way we know how - by recapping our greatest holiday victories! Kelly Shackelford, President, CEO and Chief Counsel, joins …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 13, 2023 at 6:03 PM

Why There Is Reason for Concern

First Liberty Institute Learn what the radical Left has in store for the Supreme Court |   Dear John, There’s no two ways about it. This has been a difficult year. And I’m troubled by it. But this year hasn’t been difficult for the reasons that you might think. Thanks…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 12, 2023 at 9:38 PM

Breaking: Hypocritical Ad Policy Challenged

First Liberty Institute New Lawsuit against D.C. Transit Authority for violating the First Amendment | December 12, 2023 The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) seems to have a problem with the First Amendment. WMATA is preventing WallBuilders, a…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 10, 2023 at 11:31 PM

Accepting the Call

First Liberty Institute Learn why Lea Patterson fights for religious freedom | December 10, 2023 Dear John, Finding God’s direction for your life isn’t always an easy thing to do. That's exactly Lea Patterson’s story: seeking God’s path. As a student, she was convinced …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 8, 2023 at 8:50 PM

BREAKING: Victory for Houses of Worship in New York

First Liberty Institute First Amendment prohibits New York firearm ban in houses of worship according to the Second Circuit Court | December 8, 2023 We just received some amazing news that will impact houses of worship throughout the state of New York. Today, the Un…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 8, 2023 at 12:30 PM

We just won 4 cases...in one week!

First Liberty Institute Season’s blessings: Holidays begin with legal victories in New York, Texas & California | New York Jewish Communities Celebrate,  30 Years of Discrimination Come to an End With Hanukkah underway, we’re happy to announce a win in a …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 7, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Life After Bremerton

First Liberty Institute Coach Joe Kennedy joins us today on Live! | It’s Pearl Harbor Day, and while we aren’t discussing the military on today’s episode, please take a moment to reflect on the many sacrifices made by our service members and give thanks for their efforts to k…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 4, 2023 at 11:23 PM

BREAKING: Let There Be Light! Houston Synagogue Gets Electricity Restored

First Liberty Institute City officials agree to restore power to Jewish congregation ahead of Hanukkah | December 4, 2023 Great news! We just secured a win for our client Heimish of Houston, a small Orthodox Jewish synagogue. We’re happy to announce that Houston cit…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 3, 2023 at 11:31 PM

From the Dinner Table to the Counsel Table

First Liberty Institute Learn why Jeremy Dys fights for religious freedom | December 3, 2023 Dear John, We’re all familiar with Proverbs 22:6. Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. We’ve heard this verse as children. W…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 2, 2023 at 2:01 PM

With Advent Comes Hope

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in December |   Christmas lights are popping up everywhere and Christmas songs are filling the stores. That can mean only one thing, December is here. And it’s the start of the Advent season. Advent is …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

December 1, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Jewish congregation left to worship in the dark

First Liberty Institute Houston officials won’t restore power to synagogue days before Hanukkah, Festival of Lights |     Houston Cuts Power and Leaves Jewish Congregation  in the Dark We filed for a temporary restraining order against Houston officials. Appr…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 29, 2023 at 10:32 PM

Thank You

First Liberty Institute You make the difference in the fight for faith |   Dear John, Yesterday, Giving Tuesday, was a tremendous day here at First Liberty. You are truly a difference-maker in the fight for religious freedom. We couldn’t firmly stand for faith without…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 29, 2023 at 2:30 AM

FW: Be The Difference

First Liberty Institute Just a few hours left: $50,000 Challenge Grant ends at Midnight |   Dear John, Giving Tuesday has just a few hours left. And if you’ve already given today, THANK YOU! If you haven’t, please take just a few moments to learn how your gift can make a huge …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 28, 2023 at 11:32 PM

Be The Difference

First Liberty Institute $50,000 Challenge Grant maximizes your Giving Tuesday gift |   Dear John, It’s been an incredible Giving Tuesday here at First Liberty. I just want to say thank you. Faithful friends like you have answered the call to join us in our efforts to …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 28, 2023 at 8:32 PM

Censoring Faith Must Stop

First Liberty Institute $50,000 Challenge Grant maximizes your Giving Tuesday gift |   Dear John, What a tremendous blessing Giving Tuesday has been so far! Friends of First Liberty from all over the country have been standing with us today and making an incredible im…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 28, 2023 at 5:04 PM

No Faith for Homeschoolers

First Liberty Institute $50,000 Challenge Grant maximizes your Giving Tuesday gift |   Dear John, Giving Tuesday is well underway. People of faith like you are taking a stand for religious freedom all over the country. They are using our $50,000 Challenge Grant to mul…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 28, 2023 at 12:31 PM

First Responders are under attack

First Liberty Institute $50,000 Challenge Grant maximizes your Giving Tuesday gift |   Dear John, Giving Tuesday is here, and there is no better cause to support than the God-given right of you and your family to continue to freely live out your faith. That’s why a ge…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 27, 2023 at 8:02 PM

Religious accommodation denied

First Liberty Institute $50,000 Challenge Grant maximizes your Giving Tuesday gift |   Dear John, Thank you for your continued prayers and support. All year long, you have been the true difference-maker in securing the future of religious freedom. Tomorrow, November 2…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 26, 2023 at 11:01 PM

From Atheist to First Liberty Attorney

First Liberty Institute Learn why Tabitha Harrington fights for religious freedom | November 26, 2023 Dear John, At First Liberty, every member of our staff has a unique story as to how they got here. But all of their stories have one thing in common. They all felt God’…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 24, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Thankful for what God has done, and what He will do next

First Liberty Institute Feeling grateful! A tremendously blessed year, thanks to YOU. |     Thankful for What God Has Done,  and for the New Doors He’s Opening What a tremendously blessed year! This Thanksgiving, I am immensely grateful for what God is doing …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 23, 2023 at 5:30 PM

One Cause, Many Fights

First Liberty Institute A Special Thanksgiving Message from our Practice Group Lead Attorneys | On this episode of First Liberty Live!, we’re introducing you to our Practice Group Leaders Stephanie Taub, Mike Berry, Justin Butterfield, Lea Patterson and Jeremy Dys. First Libe…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 21, 2023 at 6:43 PM

The six words that changed everything

First Liberty Institute Why religious freedom is the cornerstone that supports all our other freedoms | November 21, 2023 Dear John, It’s the week of Thanksgiving, and I have a question for you. Do you ever wonder why the Pilgrims are a prominent part of American histor…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 17, 2023 at 1:08 PM

My prayer for House Speaker Mike Johnson

First Liberty Institute Speaker Johnson was one of our attorneys. Let’s pray for God to give him strength, wisdom and courage. |     First Liberty Prays for House Speaker Mike Johnson We recently toured the U.S. Capitol and Speaker Johnson—a former First Libe…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 16, 2023 at 5:31 PM

Why this 30-year-old law is still impacting religious freedom today

First Liberty Institute We’re celebrating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act | This year, we're celebrating 30 years of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Chuck Schumer and Ted Kennedy sponsored the bill and President Bill Clinton signed it into law. And today a…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 14, 2023 at 7:40 PM

Is All Hope Lost?

First Liberty Institute Cancel Culture is attacking Faith, Family and Freedom like never before. |   Dear John, To paraphrase Charles Dickens, these are the worst of times, and the worst of times… You might think that’s a dark way to look at life in the United States. …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 10, 2023 at 8:01 PM

BREAKING: Virginia Mom Can Now Pray at School Board Meeting

First Liberty Institute Suffolk School Board changes course, allows parent to express her faith | November 10, 2023 Great news! We’re excited to announce a victory in one of our recent legal matters. Yesterday, a Virginia mom, Ms. Angela Kilgore, was allowed to pra…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 10, 2023 at 12:31 PM

Major court date right around the corner

First Liberty Institute Federal appeals court argument coming up Nov. 29 |     Nov. 29 Federal Appeals Court Argument Coming Up We’ll soon be at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to argue for our client, Rachel Spivack. She was wrongfully fired …

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 9, 2023 at 6:08 PM

Honoring the Brave

First Liberty Institute A special episode with our very own veteran | Saturday November 11th is Veterans Day. In honor of their sacrifices, we at First Liberty wish to thank all veterans and current service members for their service and to encourage all Americans to live live…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 3, 2023 at 11:30 AM

3 First Liberty Cases Approaching the U.S. Supreme Court

First Liberty Institute Decisions expected at any time. These major cases could be on their way to the nation’s highest court. |     3 First Liberty Cases Approaching the U.S. Supreme Court We have several cases sitting one level below the Supreme Court. We a…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 2, 2023 at 4:31 PM

Controversy over this college campus revival

First Liberty Institute Coach Freeze is getting the cold shoulder | This week on First Liberty Live! you’ll get to hear from Tonya Prewett, one of the organizers for a college campus revival ministry called Unite Auburn. This night of worship for college students at Auburn Un…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

November 1, 2023 at 4:31 PM

How YOU can live in truth

First Liberty Institute What’s happening at First Liberty Institute in November |   November is here, and it’s time to double down on discrimination. You and I have a crucial calling in this moment of our nation’s history. We simply can’t affirm the lies of cancel cultu…

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  Kelly Shackelford · [email protected]

October 27, 2023 at 11:31 AM

In these states, religious kids keep getting treated unfairly...

First Liberty Institute Are you a religious family? Watch out! Some states are trying to take away religious education options |   From California to Maine, Some States Really Seem to  Dislike Religious Education Whether it’s on the East Coast or the West Coa…

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