Keeping Church & State Separate
The Baptist Joint Committee is the only faith-based agency devoted solely to religious liberty and the institutional separation of church and state. Since 1936, the BJC has continuously provided reliable leadership on church-state issues as it leads coalitions of groups striving to protect both the free exercise of religion and to defend against its establishment by government. Read more.
Why Religious Liberty?
Baptists value religious freedom and separation of church and state because we suffered the hard lessons of history. The Baptist commitment to religious liberty is centered on our freedom to worship without efforts by the government to advance or restrain religion. God has made us all free – free to say yes, free to say no, and free to make up our own minds about our spiritual destiny. The BJC believes that a threat to anyone’s religious liberty is a threat to everyone‘s liberty. Read more
Why church-state separation?
The separation of church and state is a shorthand metaphor for expressing a deeper truth: religious liberty is best protected when church and state are institutionally separated and neither tries to perform or interfere with the mission and work of the other. It does not require a “segregation” of religion from public life, but it serves both religion clauses in the First Amendment, insisting upon no establishment of religion and ensuring the free exercise of religion. Read more
Report: Iranian Bahá’ís Experience Religious Freedom in the United States
A profile of Bahá’ís who have resettled in the United States from Iran over many years reminds of the importance of our refugee program, and the power of religious liberty for all.
Alabama Proposal Would End Ceremony Requirement for Lawful Marriages
A bill that would remove the state’s role in certifying or solemnizing marriage ceremonies is moving fast through the Alabama legislature.
Senate Confirms Brownback to International Religious Freedom Post
Sam Brownback was narrowly confirmed by the Senate to be the international religious freedom ambassador.
Tax proposal targets the Johnson Amendment
Both the House and Senate passed their versions of tax reform legislation, and one of the significant differences centered around the Johnson Amendment.
Equip others to raise their voices for religious liberty
The BJC’s vision for the future calls us to mobilize supporters — like you — to be advocates for religious liberty.
Nondiscrimination and religious liberty
We must protect all of our churches and religious beliefs about marriage and — at the same time — recognize as citizens and Christians that we should treat all equally and without regard to religious differences in the commercial marketplace.
Multimedia

















