For Immediate Release

May 16, 2025         

                  RELEASE: Lt. Governor Beckwith and Attorney General Rokita champion Indiana's religious liberty

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana's commitment to religious freedom and respect for all faith communities takes another bold step forward this week after Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith and Attorney General Todd Rokita introduced the second edition of the Churches' Bill of Rights.

This edition is a comprehensive guide designed to help Hoosiers understand the legal liberties and limitations that protect churches and houses of worships. Developed in close collaboration with Attorney General Rokita, it reinforces the state's dedication to ensuring every religious institution is recognized and respected.

"This is a movement in the right direction - one that is long overdue," Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith said. "Deep-rooted faith has long defined our great state, and with the Churches' Bill of Rights, we are affiriming that every Hoosier, every church, temple, synagogue and faith-based community stand as an equal and respected partner. I am proud to fight for a state where respect for religious liberty guides the decisions we make, ensuring all Hoosiers can live, work and thrive together in faith and freedom."

Written in an accessible question-and-answer format, the Churches' Bill of Rights delves into topics such as church participation in elections and politics, tax-exempt status, freedom of worship and the preservation of church governance and autonomy.

"Religious liberty is guaranteed to all Americans by the U.S. and Indiana constitutions, and we want to ensure Hoosiers understand their rights," Attorney General Todd Rokita said. "We encorage everyone to be emboldened to practice their faith and participate in civil society to the fullest extent possible."

This updated publication builds upon the previous version provided by Attorney General Rokita's office, ensuring that religious leaders and congregations throughout the state remain well-informed about engaging in election-related activities and other key public policy matters.

Lieutentant Governor Beckwith's leadership in this initative highlights a forward-thinking approach at the intersection of faith and public policy, reaffirming Indiana's support for religious liberty.

Read the Churches' BIll of Rights here.

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The Lieutenant Governor serves as President of the Indiana Senate and leads the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Click here for a high-resolution photo and biography of Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith.

For daily updates from the Lieutenant Governor's office, click here.