The city of Carlsbad in California has been accused of instructing two chaplains to stop praying in the name of Jesus at public events.

The First Liberty Institute (FLI) claimed that this action infringes upon freedom of religion.

The group said in their public complaint to the Carlsbad City Council: "Because the chaplains cannot in good conscience erase the name of Jesus from their prayers, this order deprives first responders of the solace and spiritual strength that the chaplains' volunteer ministry has provided for nearly two decades."

FLI Counsel Kayla Toney, who wrote the letter, expressed her concerns to The Christian Post:

"This is not a true or accurate understanding of the law, which has always protected the prayers and expressions of religious Americans," she said, adding, "Ironically, the city manager's order has fostered a hostile environment for the chaplains and many other people of faith residing in Carlsbad."

Reflecting on broader legal trends regarding religious expression, Toney noted: "In Kennedy v. Bremerton, the Supreme Court overruled the 'lemon test' which was used to purge expressions of faith from public life...Now the court looks to history and tradition."

The case drew attention against a backdrop of pivotal legal rulings on religious freedoms, including the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Town of Greece v. Galloway. Justice Anthony Kennedy delivered the court's opinion, stating that "legislative prayer, while religious in nature, has long been understood as compatible with the establishment clause."