Is Christianity Winning More Souls and Legal Battles Across America?

This content in this post was originally published by the “Christianity Report”, January 30, 2025

FAITH FILTER: Top Headlines Through a Christian Lens

Pro-Life Journalist Finally Wins Legal Battle
After nearly a decade of legal persecution, pro-life activist Sandra Merritt is finally free. The California Attorney General’s office has agreed to a plea deal, dropping all felony charges related to her undercover journalism exposing Planned Parenthood’s involvement in the sale of aborted baby body parts.

Merritt, alongside David Daleiden of The Center for Medical Progress, released shocking videos in 2015 capturing Planned Parenthood executives negotiating prices for fetal remains and discussing ways to alter abortion procedures for profit. Instead of investigating these horrific practices, then-California Attorney General Kamala Harris and her successor, Xavier Becerra, targeted the whistleblowers with felony charges.

Liberty Counsel, which represented Merritt, called the case “politically motivated” and secured an agreement allowing Merritt to avoid prison, fines, or penalties. She will plead “no contest” to a single charge, which will be expunged after a year.

This victory comes as President Trump’s Justice Department moves to limit the Biden administration’s use of federal laws to target pro-life activists.

Teacher Suspended for Her Faith—Legal Battle Looms!

Veteran teacher Marisol Arroyo-Castro has been placed on administrative leave for refusing to remove a crucifix from her workspace, a display she had kept for over a decade without issue. School officials in New Britain, Connecticut, claim the issue stems from complaints that she “imposed her religious beliefs,” but Arroyo-Castro and her attorneys at First Liberty Institute say this is a clear violation of her First Amendment rights.

After initially complying and hiding the cross, Arroyo-Castro said she was deeply convicted, recalling Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16 about letting her light shine. She restored the crucifix to its place, leading to a suspension. Meanwhile, the district claims it is investigating concerns over alleged comments she made to students about faith.

First Liberty has compared this case to that of Coach Joe Kennedy, who won a Supreme Court battle for his right to pray publicly. Arroyo-Castro refuses to back down, and her legal team has warned they are prepared to take the fight to federal court.

Faith Rising from the Ashes: Churches See Revival Amid LA Wildfires

As devastating wildfires rage across Los Angeles, destroying homes and displacing families, a surprising movement is unfolding—churches are filling up like never before. What some are calling a “revival through disaster” has seen countless individuals turning to God for hope and strength in the midst of suffering.

Drew Sams, pastor of Belair Church, notes that many who once attended only on holidays are now seeking God weekly. Police chaplain Steve Wilber describes the crisis as a “great leveler,” uniting people across backgrounds and drawing them toward faith. “When people are hurting, there’s an openness to finding hope,” Wilber said, observing many making new commitments to Christ.

The surge in church attendance is a powerful reminder that while wildfires may consume buildings, they cannot destroy faith. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of God bringing “beauty from ashes,” and this tragedy is proving just that—people are finding renewal in Christ amid the ruins.

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