Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commonwealth Policy Center to Hold Conference on Religious Liberty
CONTACT: Richard Nelson (270) 271-2713 or (270) 719-1640
DATE: August 29, 2016

 

A public policy group in Kentucky says that religious freedom has been undermined since the Supreme Court struck down Kentucky's marriage law last summer. "We were told by LGBT activists that nothing would change if marriage was redefined but forcing business owners to participate in homosexual weddings through their goods and services is hardly live and let live." said Commonwealth Policy Center Executive Director Richard Nelson.  "Nobody ever imagined that any businessman would be fined or forced to shut down simply because they disagreed on an important social issue. This isn't theoretical, its happening all across the country."

In light of recent developments, the nonprofit organization based in Western Kentucky is hosting a statewide conference on religious liberty. "When people lose their understanding of what religious freedom is, it is easily lost," Nelson said. "It's important for every Kentuckian to understand why we have religious freedom in the first place and just how important it is to our society at large."

Nelson explained that LGBT rights are superseding rights to conscience and religious freedom which are protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. "This conference intends to equip attendees with perspective not often shared in the mainstream media," Nelson said. "This is an opportunity for pastors, laymen and anyone that wants to better understand the significance of this issue."

Notable speakers include Dr. David Prince, pastor of Ashland Avenue Baptist Church in Lexington and professor at Southern Seminary; Paul Chitwood, Executive Director of the Kentucky Baptist Convention; and David French, a columnist with National Review. Each will speak about different aspects of religious freedom. A panel will also discuss the topic of "Answering the Tough Questions."

The conference will be held on October 2, 2016, 6-8:30 PM at Ashland Avenue Baptist Church in Lexington All interested are invited to attend. There is no cost, but registration is required. For more information, got to www.commonwealthpolicycenter.org