More than 100 faith-based organizations are urging Congress to reject a bill that would prohibit them from hiring only fellow believers if they accept federal funds.

The organizations sent a letter to all members of Congress on Aug. 25. The groups argue that the new measure would override protections they already have under federal laws, including the U.S. Constitution.

"Those four lines in the legislation would be a seismic change in bedrock civil rights law for religious organizations," Steven McFarland, chief legal counsel at World Vision USA, a Christian humanitarian group, told The New York Times. "The impact would be huge and severely affect our ability to help children and others in need."

Officials from Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish groups say that although they serve people of all religions, it's the shared faith of their employees that motivates them.

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court ruled last week that World Vision USA can hire based on religious belief.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by three former employees who alleged discrimination after the organization fired them for disagreeing with its statement of faith.

McFarland talked more about the legislation on the Sept. 3 edition of the CBN Newschannel's Morning program. Click play for the interview.