The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is representing the Wyoming Rescue Mission (WRM) in its lawsuit against the Wyoming government after officials allegedly threatened the organization when it didn’t hire a non-Christian, WND reports.

WRM not only provides food, shelter, and clothing to those in need, but its core message also includes having workers share the Gospel of Christ.

The problem started when WRM did not hire a ‘self-proclaimed non-Christian’ to work in its Thrift store.

WND explains:

The dispute erupted when a “self-proclaimed non-Christian” was not hired for a position in the ministry’s thrift store, a position where workers are “expected to teach the mission’s Discipleship Recovery Program guests how to spread the gospel and model of Christ.”

That failed candidate complained, and government officials now are claiming the ministry possibly violated the Wyoming Fair Employment Practices Act of 1965 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

After the employee complained, the government ordered WRM to pay back pay and then stated it can not reject people because they are not Christians. It also stated it would subject WRM to regular inspections.

In its lawsuit, ADF argues that faith-based organizations are not subject to such laws and are allowed to hire Christians to fill positions because an individual’s faith is a key requirement in fulfilling the organization’s faith-based mission.

In an interview with WND, Ryan Tucker, ADF counsel said:

“The First Amendment allows religious organizations the freedom to hire those who share their beliefs without being threatened. This mission simply wants that truth recognized.”

READ: Government orders Christian ministry to hire non-Christian to lead lessons