Oct 31, 2025
Today, I am reaching out to you with an urgent appeal to stand up for religious freedom and support those who bravely serve our country.
The Idaho Army National Guard continues to enforce a policy that prohibits Christians from holding command positions, a move that threatens the core values of our armed forces. Our client, Major David Worley, has been removed from command due to his privately held, personal Christian beliefs, thanks to an Obama policy that seeks to rid the U.S. military of Christians.

The alarming reality is that this discriminatory practice not only undermines the rights of Christians serving our nation but also raises significant questions about the broader protection of religious liberty for all service members — and all Americans.
We’ve filed suit against ID Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho Army National Guard. The two generals who enacted this “No Christian Commanders” policy didn’t even bother to respond to the lawsuit!
Just following orders?
On November 27, 2009, the Obama administration updated the Department of Defense policies to rid the military of Christians.
U.S. Department of Defense Issuance (DoDI) 1325.06, titled “Handling Protest, Extremist, and Criminal Gang Activities Among Members of the Armed Forces,” unjustly labels Christians as “extremists” who need to be removed from military service.
Even as President Donald J. Trump has returned as our nation’s Commander in Chief, woke generals installed by Obama are quietly carrying out Obama's orders to eliminate Christians from the U.S. military.
Major David Worley never once used his professional capacity to promote his personal Christian views on homosexuality or transgenderism, nor did he ever mention the military or his service in connection with those beliefs. But because Major Worley posted his Bible-based views regarding men in women’s locker rooms and drag queens in preschools on his personal social media account, Major Worley’s chain of command declared him to be an “extremist,” and removed him from command.
Major Worley won’t be the last Christian removed from the military if we do not win this case.
The Idaho Army National Guard investigating officer formally recommended that ALL full-time National Guard members’ social media accounts be thoroughly “scrutinized” for Christian viewpoints. If found, those service members are to be reported to the DOD Counterintelligence and Insider Threat Hub for adjudication as extremists — like Obama ordered in 2009.
The Idaho Army National Guard and the DOD’s policy violate the First Amendment, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Idaho Constitution.
As you may know, faith is a strong foundation for many individuals in the military. As the saying goes, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” Faith guides service members through difficult times, fosters resilience, and instills a sense of purpose and duty. Denying someone the opportunity to lead based on their faith disregards the sacrifices they have made and the values for which our nation stands. This policy not only impacts individuals but also weakens overall morale and cohesion within our military ranks.
Liberty Counsel is dedicated to fighting for religious liberty for all, but especially for our troops. The right to freely practice one’s religion should never be compromised, especially for those who risk their lives to protect that freedom for the rest of us.
Dragging the U.S. military to court requires resources and support. That is why I am asking you to help us fund the fight for religious liberty. Your generous contribution or recurring monthly donation to our legal fund will empower us to continue our critical work, fighting for the rights of service members who are being denied their fundamental freedoms.
In January, Liberty Counsel filed suit against ID Gov. Brad Little; the adjutant general of the Idaho National Guard, Major General Timothy J. Donnellan; and the assistant adjutant general, Brigadier General James C. Packwood. All three of these defendants refused to respond to our lawsuit within the timeline the court required. Liberty Counsel is requesting the court find the three defendants in default and grant the injunction to cease all ongoing efforts to discipline and remove Worley from the military.
Instead, Gov. Little asked the court to dismiss our lawsuit, effectively asking the court to allow himself and the ID National Guard to continue eradicating Christians from the military.
Liberty Counsel continues to fight for Major Worley and every other service member who has been robbed of their religious freedom rights. But we cannot do this without you. Your support is vital to ensure that every soldier is treated fairly and that their rights are defended. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our military remains a bastion of freedom.
Thank you for standing with us in the fight for religious freedom. Your commitment to protecting the rights of our service members and every American is greatly appreciated. Together, we can create a brighter future where all soldiers can serve with honor and dignity, and where every American’s deeply held religious convictions are respected. God bless you!
Mat Staver
Founder & Chairman
Liberty Counsel