ERLC Reminds Students of Religious Freedoms in School & Spiritual Gifts from God

The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission wants believers to remember their students have religious freedoms in the school. Among them are:

The right to express religious beliefs — Students have the right to express their beliefs in assignments, artwork, or other school activities unless it disrupts the educational process. For instance, if a student decides to write an essay on Jesus as their hero, they should be graded based on the quality of their work, not penalized because of the religious content.

The right to form religious clubs — Under the Equal Access Act, if a school allows non- curricular clubs, it cannot deny students the right to form religious clubs, including Christian clubs or pro-life clubs. These clubs should have the same access to facilities and announcement systems as other clubs.

The right to wear religious symbols — In general, Christian students have the right to wear religious symbols. However, any restrictions should be consistent and apply to all type of belief or non-belief. For instance, if a school bans all necklaces for safety reasons, then this would apply to religious symbols as well.

Opting out of assignments or activities — Christian parents have the right to request thattheir child be exempt from an activity or assignment that conflicts with their religious beliefs. Schools usually handle this on a case-by-case basis, but generally, an alternative assignment or activity will be provided.

Find an extensive listing at ERLC.com.
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Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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If you live alone, maybe you struggle to share the gifts God has given you with others. The New Testament teaches us that every believer receives spiritual gifts from God. Further, those gifts, according to Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, are to be used in the church – the family of God.

A Lifeway Research article says, “As Paul reminds us, God gives every believer spiritual gifts, intended for the edification of the church. “A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7, CSB). The church is where believers act on the giftings God has given them. “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10, CSB). God calls believers to steward these gifts for the good of others, not the good of self.”
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