Weekly Pagan Roundup | August 8th
- Tish Owen
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Here is your weekly religious news!!
As always, let us know what you think!
Federal Government & Administrative Actions
Religious Liberty Commission Releases Draft Report
President Trump received the final draft of the Religious Liberty Commission on June 26, 2026. The commission was established in 2025 and conducted seven hearings over the following year. Its hearings covered religious liberty in the military, education, healthcare, the public and private sectors, parental rights, faith-based institutions, antisemitism, and violence against houses of worship.
The commission had come concerns and reccommendations.
Specifically, the commission recommends:
The commission recommended several measures to strengthen and clarify federal religious-liberty protections:
Updated DOJ guidance on the Establishment Clause
“Know Your Rights” resources
Written explanations for government decisions involving religious expression
Religious-liberty reporting hotlines and online portals
DOJ task force to oversee related litigation
Stronger enforcement of civil-rights protections against antisemitic discrimination and violence
Additional protections for individuals facing government litigation over religious exercise
Repeal of the Johnson Amendment
Streamlined religious accommodations for military personnel
Continued efforts to address retirement or reenlistment eligibility for service members affected by religious objections to COVID-19 vaccine requirements
Federal recognition for individuals who advocate for religious liberty.
The June 26 event resulted in the presentation of the commission's final draft and its 12 recommendations to the president. The report itself does not automatically change federal law. Individual recommendations would require different forms of action: some could potentially be addressed through executive agencies or federal guidance, while others, such as repealing the Johnson Amendment, would require congressional action.
DOJ Updates Federal Religious Liberty Guidance
On July 23, 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced updated Department of Justice guidance on federal religious-liberty protections. The guidance replaces and/or expands upon the DOJ's 2017 Religious Liberty Guidelines and incorporates Supreme Court decisions issued since those guidelines were adopted.
The updated guidance directs federal agencies and executive-branch officials to apply current Supreme Court precedent when evaluating religious-liberty claims. It addresses protections for religious exercise, religious expression, religious organizations, and individuals, including situations involving government programs and employment. The guidance follows the Religious Liberty Commission's June report, which recommended that DOJ issue guidance clarifying the Establishment Clause and the relationship between religious exercise and government.
The guidance is now DOJ policy. Unlike the commission's recommendations, which were presented in a draft report, this action establishes an updated framework for the Justice Department and federal agencies when addressing religious-liberty matters. It does not amend the Constitution or federal statutes.
Our Sources:
https://www.vitallaw.com/news/doj-news-agency-updates-religious-liberty-guidance-to-reflect-supreme-court precedent/eld01e6e15f54bcb6459cadcae5449124cf12?refURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F#
Federal Legislation
Right to Worship Act Introduced
On August 6, 2026, Reps. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Brad Knott (R-NC), along with Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), introduced the bipartisan Right to Worship Act. The legislation addresses conduct that disrupts scheduled religious services or prevents people from accessing houses of worship.
The bill would establish a 100-foot protected area around entrances to houses of worship during scheduled religious services, including the hour immediately before and after a service. It would prohibit conduct that knowingly substantially disrupts a service, unreasonably prevents or deters someone from entering, or threatens or intimidates someone in a way that prevents participation. The bill specifically protects peaceful, non-disruptive demonstrations and speech, with restrictions based on the manner of conduct rather than the viewpoint being expressed.
The Right to Worship Act has been introduced but has not become law. The proposal includes escalating civil penalties for repeat violations and would allow affected individuals, the U.S. attorney general, and state attorneys general to pursue civil actions. The bill now moves through the congressional legislative process.
Our Sources:
Massachusetts American Muslim Commission Bill
Massachusetts Senate Bill S.2134, titled An Act promoting the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the Commonwealth, would establish a permanent American Muslim Commission within state government. The 11-member commission would be appointed by the governor, attorney general, legislative leaders, and other state officials.
The bill would create a state-level commission to serve as a resource on issues affecting American Muslims. Its responsibilities would include researching and reporting on issues affecting Muslim communities, advising state and local officials, evaluating state programs and practices, identifying qualified American Muslims for government appointments, and recommending policies. The bill would also direct the commission to study Islamophobia and discrimination, review existing efforts and hate-crime laws, examine practices used in other jurisdictions, and recommend programs or legislation.
S.2134 has not become law. It was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight in November 2025 and was recommended to pass in January 2026 before being referred to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Legal & Court Actions
FACE Act Challenged in Church Protest Case
On August 7, 2026, attorneys representing people charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act in connection with a January protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, challenged the federal government's use of the law. Among those charged is journalist Don Lemon, who maintains that he was present to document the protest rather than participate in it.
The FACE Act was enacted in 1994 and applies to both reproductive-health facilities and places of worship.
The defense argues that applying the FACE Act to the church protest exceeds Congress's constitutional authority because the conduct occurred at a local house of worship and, according to the defense, did not have a sufficient connection to interstate commerce.
The FACE Act generally prohibits intentionally using force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with people exercising religious freedom at a place of worship.
The constitutional challenge does not itself invalidate the FACE Act or eliminate its application to houses of worship. The case will determine whether the federal government can constitutionally apply the statute to the conduct alleged in this particular protest.
Our Sources:https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4679106/don-lemon-dismiss-minnesota-church-protest-case/
Federal Court Rules Against Religious Preference in Public Meeting Invocations
In July 2019, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Brevard County, Florida's policy for selecting people to deliver invocations at public meetings was unconstitutional because it used religious beliefs to determine who could participate. The case, Williamson v. Brevard County, challenged the county's exclusion of nontheists and people outside certain religious traditions from delivering invocations.
The legal issue centered on whether a government body can use a person's religious beliefs or affiliation when deciding who may deliver an invocation at a public meeting. The court determined that the county's policy treated speakers differently based on religion.
The Eleventh Circuit ruled against the county's policy, finding that the method used to select invocation speakers violated the Establishment Clause. The decision required the county to change its policy so that religious affiliation or beliefs would not be used as a qualification for delivering an invocation.
Civil Rights & Religious Discrimination
Federal Investigation Opens at Two California Universities
On August 6, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened investigations into San Jose State University and San Francisco State University following complaints alleging antisemitic harassment and discrimination against Jewish students. OCR will determine whether either university violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The investigations concern allegations that Jewish students experienced discriminatory or hostile campus environments. Complaints involving SJSU include allegations of threats, exclusion, classroom disruptions, and physical incidents. Complaints involving SFSU include allegations concerning antisemitic graffiti, attempted break-ins, and faculty conduct.
These remain allegations under investigation and are not findings that either university violated federal law.
No final determination has been announced. OCR has opened investigations at both universities and will examine whether the institutions complied with Title VI. If violations are established, the federal government could pursue corrective measures under its civil-rights enforcement authority.
Our Source:
State Religious Liberty & Policy
Tennessee Climbs National Religious Liberty Index
First Liberty's article, published August 7, 2026, examines Tennessee's ranking in the 2026 Religious Liberty in the States index. The article argues that Tennessee's movement from 10th in 2025 to 2nd in 2026 reflects changes in state law intended to provide additional protections for religious exercise.
First Liberty argues that states can strengthen religious-liberty protections through legislation addressing specific areas where religious objections may arise. The article highlights Tennessee's Medical Ethics Defense Act, which provides protections for healthcare professionals and institutions with religious or moral objections to certain medical services. It also identifies Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, healthcare conscience protections, and wedding-related protections as areas that can affect a state's ranking.
First Liberty concludes that Tennessee has strengthened its statutory protections but identifies wedding-related participation as an area where additional legislation could further increase the state's ranking. According to the article's analysis, adopting the remaining protections measured by the index could raise Tennessee's score to approximately 92.5%. These conclusions represent First Liberty's analysis and policy position rather than an independent determination that Tennessee has the second-highest level of religious-liberty protection in the country.
Our Source:
https://firstliberty.org/news/tennessees-religious-liberty-comeback-offers-a-lesson-for-every-state/
Community Responses & Advocacy
Aquarian Tabernacle Church Responds to Tennessee "Pagan Ban" Proposal
On August 6, 2026, the Aquarian Tabernacle Church (ATC) issued a formal statement responding to public comments by Tennessee gubernatorial candidate and state Rep. Monty Fritts. According to ATC , Fritts has said he would seek to ban mosques and what he describes as "pagan religions" if elected governor.
ATC argues that religious protections under the First and Fourteenth Amendments apply to state governments and protect individuals' ability to practice a range of religious traditions, including Pagan, Wiccan, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and other non-Christian faiths. The organization also points to Article I, Section 3 of the Tennessee Constitution, which protects freedom of conscience and states that no preference may be given by law to a particular religious establishment or form of worship.
ATC's statement is a legal and public response to Fritts's stated policy positions. It does not itself initiate legal proceedings or change Tennessee law. The organization's proposed advocacy remains separate from any legislative or executive action that could be taken by the state.
Our Source: Read the ATCs Statement Here
Astrological Events:
Sunday, August 9 — Mercury enters Leo
Mercury moves into Leo today, shifting communication toward confidence, creativity, self-expression, and speaking from the heart.
This is a good day for:
Saying what you've been holding back
Creative writing and storytelling
Promoting yourself or your work
Having conversations where you need to own your voice
Thinking bigger rather than playing small
The Moon is also in its waning crescent phase, preparing for Wednesday's New Moon.
Monday, August 10 — Eclipse buildup
We're entering the strongest part of the eclipse window.
Astrologically, the days immediately surrounding an eclipse are often viewed as a period of heightened change and uncertainty. This is about things that have been developing beneath the surface becoming impossible to ignore.
Think: What needs to end so something new can begin?
Tuesday, August 11 — Mars enters Cancer
Mars moves into Cancer, bringing action and motivation into the emotional, domestic, family, and protective realms.
This can amplify:
Emotional reactions
Family matters
Protectiveness
Home and living situations
Community concerns
The desire to defend what you care about
Mars in Cancer can be incredibly motivating when you're fighting for something you love, but it can also make conflicts more emotionally charged.
Wednesday, August 12 — THE BIG ONE
Leo New Moon + Total Solar Eclipse
This is the major astrological event of the week.
The New Moon occurs in Leo, and it coincides with a total solar eclipse. The eclipse is at approximately 20° Leo.
Astronomically, the eclipse will be total across parts of Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic, Spain, Portugal and northern Russia, while portions of the northern U.S. will see a partial eclipse.
Leo is associated with:
Identity • creativity • leadership • visibility • courage • self-expression • authenticity
So this eclipse can be particularly interesting for questions like:
Who am I becoming?
Where am I hiding myself?
What am I ready to create?
Where am I ready to take up more space?
What kind of leader do I want to be?
And because this is a New Moon, the traditional astrological interpretation emphasizes beginnings rather than endings.
However, eclipses can make those beginnings feel sudden, disruptive, or outside your control.
And Wednesday night: Perseid meteor shower
Here's where the week gets REALLY interesting from a sky-watching perspective.
The Perseid meteor shower peaks around August 12, essentially coinciding with the New Moon/eclipse. The lack of bright moonlight should make the meteors easier to see.
Thursday, August 13 — New lunar cycle begins
The Moon moves into its waxing crescent phase after the eclipse/New Moon.
This is when the symbolic energy shifts from:
release to planting to building
Thursday onward is about actually beginning to build the things that you want.
Friday–Sunday, August 14–16
The Moon continues waxing, moving through Virgo and then Libra.
That gives the latter part of the week a different feel:
Virgo: organize, plan, clean up, make it practical.
Libra: relationships, balance, cooperation, aesthetics and diplomacy
Til next week yall!!
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