The National Association of Evangelicals files amicus (friend-of-the-court) briefs to help courts consider how their decisions may affect people and institutions beyond the parties involved. These briefs highlight broader implications and support just outcomes on key issues. Below is a summary of recent  NAE  amicus briefs and case developments.

Lorenzo v. San Francisco Zen Center

The NAE joined two amicus letters to the California Supreme Court in a ministerial exception case addressing whether a religious organization may be sued by a minister over compensation. In the first letter, we urged the court to review a lower court decision that we believe undermines First Amendment protections allowing religious organizations to manage their internal affairs without government interference. In the second, we asked the court to depublish that lower court decision, so it would not serve as a precedent in future cases. In response, the California Supreme Court agreed to review the case but declined to withdraw the lower court’s opinion.

O’Connell v. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

The NAE joined an amicus brief that focuses on church autonomy in a case where a parishioner sought to force the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to refund millions of dollars in donations to the Vatican-administered Peter’s Pence charity fund. We urged the court to protect religious organizations from lawsuits that could interfere with their internal decision-making and stewardship of donated funds.

Lost Lake Holdings v. Forestburgh

The NAE joined an amicus brief in support of a Hasidic Jewish developer who faced religious animus and discrimination from a New York town. Town leaders at one point referred to the potential arrival of Hasidic Jews in their community as “locusts.” We urged the court to protect religious organizations from discriminatory land use decisions driven by prejudice against their beliefs. 

International Partners for Ethical Care v. Ferguson

The NAE joined an amicus brief in support of parents challenging a Washington law that directs state-run shelters not to immediately notify parents when an underage runaway seeks treatment for gender dysphoria. We argued that the law infringes on parents’ constitutional rights to make decisions about their child’s religious upbringing without government interference. 

St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy

The NAE asked the Supreme Court to address a Colorado policy that discriminates against private schools that take sexual orientation or gender identity into account in staff hiring or student admissions. When the Court agreed to take the case, we joined a brief arguing that Colorado is engaged in unconstitutional religious discrimination. We urged the court to strengthen protections for religious schools to operate in accordance with their faith.

First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Platkin

The NAE joined this case to address a government subpoena that threatens the First Amendment rights of faith-based pregnancy resource centers. The brief argues that forcing disclosure of internal communications, donor information and activities can suppress religious freedom and draw the government into religious matters. It also highlights the need for religious groups to be able to access federal courts to protect their constitutional rights. In response, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled for First Choice, allowing it to bring its case to federal court and strengthening First Amendment protections.

These cases reflect ongoing legal debates shaping religious freedom and the rights of faith communities across the country. The NAE will continue to engage in cases that affect the ability of individuals and institutions to live out their faith. 

Explore all NAE Court Briefs Arrow