Most of you are aware that almost four years ago Grace Christian School, with Community Fellowship Church, joined with several other Christian ministries in a suit against the Commonwealth of Virginia for the Virginia Values Act. That legislation, enacted in July 2020, was intended to prevent discrimination against any individuals for employment and school enrollment including sexual orientation and identity.

This legislation would have forced Grace Christian School to hire individuals who do not hold Biblical positions concerning sexual identity and ethics issues. The legislation imposed a $100,000 fine for each violation as determined by the Attorney General’s office and as upheld by the courts. The purpose of the Virginia Values Act was to force Christian ministries to compromise clearly stated biblical values or be shut down. 

Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal ministry which defends against many such threats around the country, asked CFC and GCS to join several other ministries in this suit against the Commonwealth on the premise that the Virginia Values Act is unconstitutional. In the first hearing, the judge determined that the court did not have jurisdiction in hearing the complaint because no action had been brought against any of the ministries. During the last election, Jason Miyares, who is sympathetic to our cause, was elected as the Attorney General of Virginia. This enabled ADF to successfully negotiate a settlement. The press release linked below gives the details. 

We praise the LORD for this significant “victory” and legal relief from the very dangerous provisions of the Virginia Values Act. We also are thankful for the support we have received in the form of your prayers, as we have been privileged to participate in this strategic settlement that provides significant protections for our VA Christian churches and schools. 

Link to ADF Press Release