Oregon Christian Youth Ministry Hit with Financial Woes Over Religious Beliefs

A Christian youth ministry group in Oregon is experiencing financial woes after the state's education department allegedly stripped its funding due to its religious character, a lawsuit alleges.

Bud Amundsen, the executive director of 71Five Ministries, a Christian youth ministry group based in Oregon, is grappling with a significant deficit in its annual budget after the state's education department allegedly withdrew funding due to the nonprofit's religious character.

The lawsuit, originally filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) in March, argues that the state's decision violates the organization's First Amendment rights and has caused it "irreparable injury."

71Five Ministries provides services to at-risk youth of all faiths and backgrounds, including those who are incarcerated and expectant and parenting teens. It had received funding for six consecutive years before its request for a $100,000 grant was denied in January 2023.

The state's Department of Education reportedly informed 71Five that the denial was due to a new requirement that all grantees sign a "statement of assurance" affirming that they will not discriminate on the basis of religion. This requirement conflicted with 71Five's longstanding policy of requiring all board members, employees, and volunteers to be "authentic followers of Christ."

Amundsen expressed dismay and disappointment over the decision, stating that 71Five was "very much like one of their favorite programs." He emphasized that the ministry's religious beliefs are central to its mission and that the organization has a right to prefer members of its own faith as employees and volunteers.

The lawsuit cites Supreme Court rulings that protect the right of religious organizations to select individuals who will personify their beliefs. The ADF argues that the state cannot interfere with this right and that the denial of funding based on religious character is unconstitutional.

Amundsen said he is unsure how he will fill the financial gap going into the next fiscal year. He is determined to avoid reducing staff or turning away local youth due to lack of resources. To bridge the funding shortfall, the organization has already spent $187,000 from its reserves.

Jeremiah Galus, senior counsel at the ADF, condemned the state's actions, stating that it is wrong to exclude religious organizations from programs based solely on their religious beliefs. He emphasized that the First Amendment prohibits such discrimination and that the decision by the Oregon Department of Education is harming the youth who rely on 71Five's services.

Galus added that the lawsuit aims to prevent 71Five from being excluded from future grant programs and to ensure that other religious organizations do not face similar religious discrimination.

The Oregon Department of Education declined to comment on the pending legal case, stating its policy of not commenting on such matters. The case has wrapped up oral arguments and is awaiting a judge's decision.