Religious Liberty Includes the Right to Worship in Peace

Washington, D.C.—Today, following reports that approximately 30 individuals were arrested after disrupting a church service in Minnesota, Dr. Richard Rogers, Vice Chair of American Values at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), issued the following statement:

“Today, churches across America can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the law will be enforced and houses of worship will be protected by the highest levels of government. No faith community should feel abandoned when their sanctuaries are targeted.

Recent attacks on churches reflect a troubling willingness by some activists to treat sacred spaces as political battlegrounds. That must never become normal. Houses of worship represent millions of Americans seeking to live out their faith in peace and they deserve equal protection under the law.

The First Amendment right to protest can never serve as cover to violate someone's First Amendment right to practice their faith without fear.

I am grateful for Attorney General Pam Bondi’s leadership in making clear that attacks on churches will not be ignored. When the rule of law is upheld, it sends an unmistakable message that intimidation and disruption aimed at silencing people of faith will not become the norm. Justice will prevail, and religious liberty will endure.”