Anaheim, CA--Pastor Greg Laurie and Todd Starnes will join this year’s Celebration of Justice (COJ), celebrating Pacific Justice Institute's (PJI) 20th anniversary! ​

Bakersfield, CA--The latest move by a homeowners’ association in its efforts to curb religious activity by senior citizens is raising eyebrows and landing the HOA back in court.
 
Late last year, the HOA of Solera at Kern Canyon, a retirement community in Bakersfield, suspended three Bible studies and a Sunday worship service following a complaint by an atheist.  After one of the believers filed suit just before Christmas, the HOA Board reluctantly allowed the four groups to resume meeting in the community clubhouse while the Board considered additional restrictions. ​

Sacramento, CA--Pacific Justice Institute is raising fresh concerns about a legislative measure that aims to limit the moral expectations of religious employers. 
 
PJI is reaching out to churches, schools, and other ministries across California to warn them about Assembly Bill (AB) 569.  The bill seeks to eliminate the discretion of employers—and particularly religious organizations—to let so-called reproductive health decisions affect employment.  In practical terms, that means a pro-life church, school, or ministry would no longer be permitted to require that employees live consistently with the organization's mission. ​

Bakersfield, CA--A court has rejected the latest attempt by a homeowners’ association to shield itself from punitive damages for shutting down Bible studies and a Sunday worship service. 
 
Like many retirement communities, Solera at Kern Canyon has a central clubhouse and recreation facilities where numerous interest groups like book clubs and water aerobics meet.  About ten years ago, several members of the community began meeting together on Tuesday mornings for a men’s Bible study.  Two different women’s Bible studies were later formed.  In 2014, some of the men felt a need to serve physically challenged residents who have difficulty leaving the community by offering informal worship on Sundays.  The Sunday services quickly became the best attended weekly event held at the clubhouse.  Participants come from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds, and it is not a formal church.  Unlike most churches, no offering is taken, and the retired pastor who does most of the preaching does not receive a salary.