Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement today regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. Interfaith Alliance filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case along with the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.
Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is rightfully narrow in scope and context and thankfully does not recommend providing public, university funding to support the Christian Legal Society’s religious activities. However, the decision falls short in not recognizing the right of student organizations such as CLS to ensure that its leadership positions are held by coreligionists who share the organization’s beliefs and vision, while still being able to actively participate in the public forum created by Hastings.
It would be a shame if this decision resulted in less diversity of opinion by undercutting Hastings’ purpose of creating a student organization forum– to expose students to a broad range of interests and viewpoints.
Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit www.interfaithalliance.org.