WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to decide whether it should bolster workplace accommodations for the free exercise of religion. The justices was to hear oral arguments April 18 regarding a U.S. Postal Service employee’s contention his belief in observing Sunday as the Sabbath was not properly accommodated. In the case, the high court will contemplate whether to alter its interpretation in a 1977 decision regarding the standard for accommodating workers’ religious exercise. The Supreme Court is expected to issue an opinion in the case, Groff v. DeJoy, before it adjourns for the term this summer. The Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) joined other organizations in a friend-of-the-court brief that urged the justices to correct the 1977 ruling. That opinion has resulted in discrimination against employees who seek to practice their faith, according to the brief. “As Southern Baptists, we believe that our vocation cannot be separated from our faith,” said Hannah Daniel, the ERLC’s policy manager. “As Colossians 3 commands us, we are to work with all our heart as unto the Lord. Religious accommodations play a vital role in allowing employees to work without being forced to violate their deeply held beliefs. […]

By : Markus McDowell Tags: