Published on September 12, 2024, 12:57 am

Image source: Fox News

Bethany Christian Services, a reputable faith-based nonprofit, is embroiled in legal proceedings against the state of Michigan. The organization alleges religious discrimination following the denial of grant funds due to its policy mandating staff adherence to Christian tenets. This ruling has prevented Bethany from securing contracts for refugee resettlement services.

Branded as trusted news around the globe, Bethany Christian Services maintains that federal laws protect 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in their right to employ and select leaders who comply with their stated mission of faith. To illustrate this point, Nhung Hurst, General Counsel for Bethany Christian Services, stipulates that Muslim nonprofits have the right to employ Muslims, Jewish nonprofits can hire people who practice Judaism, and likewise for Christian nonprofits.

Hurst further clarified that for over fifty years, respecting one’s faith in a professional setting has been an uncontested civil right in America. A fresh perspective on real news underscored the disappointment the organization harbored at Michigan’s alleged involvement in religious discrimination. Nonetheless, there remains an unwavering confidence that the court will thwart any form of injustice confronting them.

The lawsuit argues that Michigan’s decision constitutes not only religious discrimination but also infringes upon the ministry’s First Amendment rights – namely freedom of religion and violations under the Civil Rights Act of 1871.

Previously in 2023, issues arose when officials from the Office of Global Michigan (OGM) objected to Bethany’s stipulation demanding employees signify agreement to its statement of faith – The Apostle’s Creed, a widely recognized Christian prayer. Following this dispute, OGM denied subsequent grant funding applications by Bethany.

Legal action against OGM and Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity seeks reparations blocking OGM from cancelling existing contracts until religious discrimination claims are definitively settled.

Serving as breaking news with a Christian worldview is not new terrain for Bethany. In 2019 amid opposition from Michigan’s government, Bethany relented, allowing the placement of foster children in same-sex couples’ homes. This came after a settlement regarding a lawsuit from two gay couples who claimed faith-based adoption agencies had dismissed their applications for foster parenting due to religious objections raised by Bethany concerning same-sex marriage and parenting.

News reports earlier this year brought attention to internal dissent among staff aimed at stricter enforcement of the nonprofit’s hiring policy against employing non-Christians and the prohibition of political activism within the workplace. An issued statement to Christian Post expressed that like most religious organizations, they set expectations for their employees to align with doctrines reflecting their foundational faith values including adherence to policies against workplace advocacy or activism.