First Liberty Institute describes itself as a defender of religious liberty. In reality, it is a Christian nationalist law firm that seeks to impose a fundamentalist Christian worldview on every part of society. First Liberty is representing Lifewise Academy in its lawsuit against Everett Public Schools in Washington. First Liberty attorney Matt Krause testified before the Ohio House of Representatives for Lifewise Academy, supporting efforts to force school districts to coordinate with religious education organizations. First Liberty has served as Lifewise’s legal counsel for several years.
First Liberty recently defended a pastor in Tempe, Arizona, who confessed to sexual abuse of a minor. First Liberty argued that the pastor’s confession is inadmissible in court because he was speaking to another pastor. First Liberty stepped up, defended this logic, and tried to keep the confession out of court. First Liberty defended a pastor who confessed to molesting a child. Again, First Liberty defended a pastor who confessed to molesting a child.
First Liberty also argued against legislation in Washington that would require religious leaders always to report abuse of minors, even if told during a religious confession. First Liberty argued against this law to protect abused children. First Liberty Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys defended the right to protect child abusers, but is also suing the public schools in Everett, Washington, on behalf of Lifewise Academy.
First Liberty has advertised and marketed for Lifewise numerous times.
Off School Property: Solving the Separation of Church and State
https://youtu.be/ITOhqwiJee8?si=82-k0DSytkVhUdQl
Who Opposes Kids Bible Classes
https://youtu.be/cb0syT1mPT8?si=jIgmPxV6lJK-Naep
Holly Randall Discusses a Washington State Court That Is Targeting a Christian Ministry
https://youtu.be/2wBN4ohcoFM?si=EDv5OeVK5jYlMZjJ
Defending LifeWise Academy
https://youtube.com/shorts/Er9dT8J3JFE?si=xefgGXZJE6tDYwk3
Win for LifeWise Academy
https://youtube.com/shorts/7mAoSFvcvw8?si=XhRGev7vOHoleG_K
Lifewise Academy says child safety is its highest priority. Aligning with a law firm that has used religious freedom as a screen for child abuse does not protect children. Lifewise has lost children, hired a teacher who was fired for sending sexual messages to a student, and looked to open a class in a chemical factory that employed registered sex offenders. Lifewise cares about one thing. Making money. The safety of children takes a backseat to expanding its ministry.
Learn more about Lifewise Academy and released time religious instruction at https://respectpublicschools.com/