Reactions to the brutal shootings in Paris last month inadvertently have clarified at least one important issue. And that clarification may produce an unexpected result, leaving many of us conservatives in debt to our liberal counterparts.

Last week, the pastor of a small church in Gilbert, Ariz., introduced himself on the steps outside of the Supreme Court. 

“I’m Clyde Reed, pastor of Good News Community Church in Gilbert, Ariz.,” he said. “I’m 82 years old and have been a pastor for over 40 years. I never dreamed my small church sign would be a topic for the Supreme Court.”

Reed’s small congregation rents temporary locations for worship services, making it all the more important to point people in the right direction.

The Radiance Foundation, a pro-life group, is appealing an attempt by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to silence criticism of its support for abortion.

UPDATE (3 p.m. EDT): Houston Mayor Annise Parker and City Attorney David Feldman are distancing themselves from the city’s controversial sermon subpoenas. The duo blamed the “overly broad” document requests on their pro bono attorneys at Susman Godfrey L.L.P., city spokeswoman Janice Evans told me in an email.

Two New Mexico scientists hope next year’s Darwin Days celebration at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science may evolve into a more civilized affair. If their challenge to the state’s use of its publicly funded institution and taxpayer money to denigrate religion and promote atheism can gain traction with state officials, media, and the public, the event could include talks on intelligent design and creation.

If a proposed constitutional amendment becomes law, groups like the National Right to Life Commission (NRLC) could lose their First Amendment protections when it comes to saying and doing things that might influence elections. If pro-life groups could no longer do things like supply voting scorecards to the public, pro-life leaders fear their organizations would cease to function.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Supreme Court spoke plainly and unanimously in striking down a Massachusetts law placing a 35-foot buffer zone around abortion centers: The law “violates the First Amendment.” The zone excluded anyone but abortion center employees and clients.