28: A matter of survival with Steve McFarland

A matter of survival. Why a legal principle called "church autonomy" is again facing scrutiny in the courtroom. An interview with Steve McFarland.

Question: What makes an Adventist school "Adventist" or a Catholic charity "Catholic" or a Islamic humanitarian agency "Islamic"? Answer: In large part, its employees. Without staff members who share the same mission, beliefs, and standards of conduct, a faith-based organization be would just ... an organization. In recent years, though, the hiring practices of religious entities have been challenged, along with a legal principle known as "church autonomy" that has long prevented the government from weighing in on religious practices and beliefs.

What could be the consequences if these challenges succeed? We ask Steve McFarland, director of the Law and Religious Freedom Center at the Christian Legal Society, and former vice-president and chief legal officer for the Christian relief agency World Vision.

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Guest:

Steve McFarland, Christian Legal Society

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Show Notes:

Legal brief of Christian Legal Society in McMahon v. World Vision: https://www.christianlegalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ninth-Circuit-Amicus-Brief-Final.pdf

Background to McMahon v. World Vision: https://firstliberty.org/news/supporting-world-vision-in-employment-case/