DENVER -- The Cherry Creek School District is accused of urging students to go to church and is now facing a lawsuit.

The Freedom from Religion Foundation, on behalf of two parents who have students in the district, claimed the district is violating the laws regarding the separation of church and state.

Cherry Creek Schools promotes a program known as 40 Developmental Assets, aimed at helping students become responsible and confident young adults.

Number 19 of the program suggests young adults spend one or more hours per week in activities in a religious institution.

“To us that means go to church once a week,” said Bob Tiernan, with the Freedom from Religion Foundation. “And we object to it on the basis that this is the government, the public school system telling the students that they should go to church once a week.”

Tustin Amole, a spokeswoman for the district told sources “the district is confident the project is not illegal because it does not mandate participation in any religious activity.”

The complaint asked the court to order the district to stop promoting and adopting Asset 19.

“They felt the school district was saying their children really aren’t good citizens because they don’t go to church once a week,” said Tiernan. “They felt left out, alienated by the school system. That is why we brought the lawsuit.”

A flyer obtained by 7News showed the district has 5 “parenting workshops” scheduled in the upcoming weeks to teach parents about the 40 Developmental Assets.