Religious freedom advocates are addressing a rise in threats in the U.S. by providing legal and media resources to people and faith institutions.

“So often Christians and other people of faith feel really under siege right now,” Eric Patterson of the Religious Freedom Institute said in a recent interview with CBN News. “They feel besieged by neo-Marxism, by sexual orientation and gender ideologies that seem to be pushing a new view that nothing is real. There is no man, there is no woman.”

Attacks include litigation, hostile laws, workplace backlash, arson, and vandalism.

The Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) reports that criminals have attacked more than 60 pro-life organizations following the Supreme Court's historic Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. RFI also points to attacks against Catholics and a dramatic rise in anti-Semitism in the US since the October 7 Hamas massacre.

Added to this perfect storm is an aggressive cancel culture and the expansion of government power.

“Here's the basic model,” Patterson explained, “it's leveraging the power of the state, whether in an unelected human rights commission, as they call it in Colorado, or by using a new interpretation of federal law, as we've seen.” Title IX.”

At the heart of many attacks is the belief that expression of faith should be restricted.

“What you often hear is, 'It's OK to worship. There is freedom to worship,' meaning you can do it behind closed doors at home as long as you don't offend me,” Patterson said.

To give people guidance on how to express their beliefs outside of the home, advocates are now encouraging the proactive use of resources such as legal toolkits and media relationship-building guides.

Vernadette Broyles, president of the Child & Parental Rights Campaign, helps pastors and faith leaders seeking counseling and legal assistance for a variety of issues. Many revolve around gender.

“They need practical advice and are crying out for it,” she told CBN News.

The campaign's new ecclesiastical transgender guide provides spiritual and legal advice, including a close look at the governing documents.

“It is far better to embrace the biblical worldview, document it and not apologize for it,” Broyles said. “It’s far more legally protective in the long run.”

This political season, Patterson encourages people of faith to look for candidates who are committed to protecting the faith and conscience of all. He also recommends leaning on the ways of Christ and giving hope to others.

“This is truly a time of love, of loving our neighbors, of inviting people to dinner, of getting to know each other, of listening and just lovingly engaging with our faith and perspective at this time,” he said.