Products>E-Books  Religious Liberty  Gender Issues  Ministry  Sexuality

Protecting Your Ministry from Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Lawsuits

A Legal Guide for Southern Baptist and Evangelical Churches, Schools, and Ministries

Legal Guide for Southern Baptist Churches
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE E-BOOK

In the culture, in the courts, even in casual conversation, it is increasingly obvious that we have lost sight of over 200 years of social and legal tradition that has secured our fundamental freedoms – namely, freedom of speech and religion. A new concept – that “sexual liberty” trumps religious freedom – has begun to impact churches, ministries, and Christians across this nation.

In today’s evolving legal landscape, religious institutions face unique challenges that require diligent attention to protect their mission, values, and members. Protecting Your Ministry, published by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) in partnership with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), is a guide designed to equip faith-based organizations with the tools necessary to uphold their religious freedom in an increasingly complex legal environment.

This e-book addresses essential issues for ministries, including religious liberty concerns, employment practices, facility usage, and organizational policies. As cultural shifts continue to impact religious organizations, there is an increasing need for pastors, ministry leaders, and administrators to understand the legal safeguards that can protect their ministry from potential threats. Protecting Your Ministry provides practical, actionable steps to help faith-based organizations proactively build a strong legal foundation that aligns with their theological beliefs.

From policy recommendations to real-life case studies, the guide emphasizes the importance of creating clear, mission-driven policies that reflect the values of the ministry. This resource also highlights the critical role of religious liberty in a diverse society and underscores the need for churches and ministries to be aware of their rights and prepared for challenges that may arise.

Whether you are a church leader, non-profit administrator, or religious school director, Protecting Your Ministry serves as a valuable resource to help you navigate today’s complex legal landscape with confidence. By understanding and implementing these best practices, you can safeguard your ministry’s ability to serve its community and fulfill its mission in a manner consistent with your beliefs.

Legal Guide for Southern Baptist Churches


Related Policies
and
Supreme Court Cases

Finish Repealing the Biden Administration’s Anti-Religious Liberty Regulatory Actions

The ERLC is dedicated to repealing the Biden Administration's anti-religious liberty regulatory actions. The ERLC has filed over 25...

Southern Baptists recognize the importance of religious liberty, which guarantees to all Americans the...

Read More
Oppose attacks on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act

The ERLC continues to advocate against any attacks on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and on behalf of the concerns of Southern Baptists...

Southern Baptists recognize the importance of religious liberty, which is the preeminent right included...

Read More

Related Content

Why we celebrate religious liberty on America’s 250th

Situated in Washington, D.C., the ERLC’s policy team is sharing in the excitement of...

Read More
Supreme Court decision in women's sports

Explainer: Supreme Court protects women and girls in women’s sports cases

In a monumental combined decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Idaho and West Virginia’s...

Read More
key themes from One Nation Under God

Six key themes from One Nation Under God

2026 SBC annual meeting reflections

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence....

Read More
landor

Explainer: Supreme Court denies monetary damages for prisoners when religious liberty rights are violated

The Supreme Court handed down its decision in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections...

Read More

Explainer: How should Southern Baptists respond to “Pride Month?”

Every June, television airwaves, business storefronts, and social media are flooded with messages celebrating...

Read More
Supreme Court and religious liberty

Explainer: Supreme Court unanimously rules in favor of New Jersey pregnancy resource centers

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that a New Jersey pregnancy resource...

Read More