In a nation founded on the principle of religious liberty, a new tool has emerged to help Christians and other people of faith understand how state laws impact their God-given rights. The Religious Liberty in the States (RLS) project, launched by the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy (CRCD), has introduced a first-of-its-kind nationwide database to track religious discrimination and protections across all 50 states. Released on March 31, 2025, this resource offers believers a way to see how their state measures up in safeguarding the free exercise of faith.
The RLS database evaluates states based on 39 specific items grouped into six key categories, including absentee voting accommodations for religious observances, health care conscience protections, and marriage-related religious safeguards. Each state receives a score reflecting its commitment to upholding religious liberty—a value Christians hold dear as we seek to live out our faith in an increasingly secular world. For example, the database examines whether states protect the rights of religious schools to operate according to their beliefs or shield health care workers from being forced to violate their convictions.
In its 2025 findings, New Mexico topped the list with a score of 82%, praised for its robust protections, such as allowing absentee voting for religious reasons and offering strong safeguards for private schools. Meanwhile, states like West Virginia (14%) and Vermont (19%) ranked at the bottom, raising concerns for Christians about potential vulnerabilities in those regions. The report also highlighted progress in states like Alabama, which climbed from 12th to 3rd place after enacting new laws to protect religious freedom.
For the Church, this database is more than just data—it’s a call to action. As followers of Christ, we’re reminded of our responsibility to “seek the welfare of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7) and advocate for justice where religious liberty is threatened. The RLS project empowers believers with knowledge, helping us discern where prayer and engagement are most needed. It also underscores the diversity of challenges facing faith communities, from restrictions on public worship to policies that conflict with biblical values.
The CRCD, an initiative of the Texas-based First Liberty Institute, plans to update the database annually, ensuring it remains a vital resource for Christians navigating the legal landscape. As we face a culture that sometimes views faith with skepticism, tools like this remind us to stand firm, trusting that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
To explore the database and see how your state ranks, visit the RLS website. Let’s use this information to pray, act, and uphold the freedom to live out our faith boldly.