An Arizona-based law firm founded to defend what it says are Christian values in court is trying to block the most used method of abortion.

Sylvia Laughter, a former state representative from Kayenta, died Saturday. Laughter served in the state House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005 and is the only independent candidate to serve in the state House or Senate since Arizona was granted statehood in 1912.

The diversity of groups standing with the Alliance Defending Freedom in our current Supreme Court cases shows the way forward. Despite our differences, we must work together to protect each other’s freedoms. That’s the surest path to realizing our Constitution’s promise of free speech and religious freedom for all.

The question of whether Mormons are "Christians'' may be a thought-provoking debate for theologians. But the state Court of Appeals is warning Arizona judges to stay away from such issues.

Fortunately, the Arizona Supreme Court agreed to take their case, which will be argued on January 22. Joanna and Breanna will go there to defend everyone’s freedom to live by their convictions. Society is more diverse, more just, and more free when the First Amendment is zealously protected. We should all hope it is in this case.

As an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church, I was very troubled by SB1062, the so-called “religious freedom bill,” and much of the rhetoric surrounding it. While many argued that this bill would have strengthened religious, particularly Christian “freedoms,” I believe it sought to do the exact opposite — it would have used religion as a license to discriminate against anyone of one’s choosing.

Some Christian activists around Arizona have delivered a petition to Gov. Jan Brewer's office, seeking a retraction of her executive order to bar public benefits for illegal immigrants.