Christian organizations typically hire Christian employees and have them sign a statement of faith stating they align with a set of principles.
But the government is determined to force Christians to violate their conscience and hire those who oppose faith-based values.
And when the State of Washington told one Christian organization they must hire non-believers – instead of forgoing their Christian principles this group is fighting back – and just wait until you hear the details.
Yakima Union Gospel Mission was founded in 1936, and for more than 86-years they have offered shelter, meals, and medical supplies to those who are struggling – along with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What separates Christian organizations from typical humanitarian groups is everything they do is in Jesus’ name.
While tangible items are needed – every person needs the love and truth of Jesus most – and Yakima Union Gospel Mission is committed to living out the Great Commission.
And while they’ve always employed Christians who share their faith – the Washington Supreme Court “re-evaluated” their state laws and now claim Christian organizations are no longer allowed to only hire Christians.
Yakima Union Gospel Mission is fighting back with a lawsuit and Alliance Defending Freedom is representing them in the fight to protect their religious liberties.
Faithwire reported:
“The Washington Supreme Court recently reinterpreted state law to prohibit religious organizations, including Yakima Union Gospel Mission, from only hiring individuals who share its religious beliefs,” an ADF statement reads.
“State officials are threatening the mission with significant penalties for using its constitutionally protected right to hire employees who share the ministry’s religious beliefs.”
Yakima Union Gospel Mission CEO Mike Johnson spoke out on why it is so important for his group to continue to employ Christians.
He pointed out while they help anyone who needs it – having Christian employees is an essential piece of what they do.
Faithwire continued:
“Religious organizations are free to hire people who share their beliefs. That’s what makes us a religious organization,” Johnson said. “The functional benefits of that for us as a rescue mission are really important because … we are a community of Christ. We are people relating to each other around the person of Jesus…
“We love everybody that comes through our doors, but we need our employees to be able to build Christian community with each other, because that’s the essence of what drives change,” Johnson added.”
The government has no right to tell private organizations they must hire those who don’t share the same founding mission or Christian principles.
Yakima Union Gospel Mission’s work has already been disrupted by the latest government mandate and they were forced to pull their open job positions offline due to threats.
Christians are called to serve and obey God first and foremost – and forcing Christians to violate their religious conscious is unacceptable.
We hope Yakima Union Gospel Mission succeeds in their lawsuit and sets a precedent that there are still those who are willing to fight to protect the religious liberties of all Christians.
(h/t Christian Life Daily)