Issue Guide on religious liberty keeps you informed and prepared
	The updated Religious Liberty Council Issue Guide contains brief summaries of our perspectives on issues at the intersection of church and state, as well as some suggestions for advocacy. By design, this tool provides only general background and suggestions, a means to help you enter the conversation or engage more intentionally.

Baptists

How We Got That Way: Baptists on Religious Liberty and the Separation of Church and State
Walter B. Shurden, one of the nation's most respected Baptist historians, delivered this address during the Baptist Joint Committee's 60th Anniversary Religious Liberty Conference October 6-8, 1996, in Washington, D.C.

Baptists and Religious Liberty
George W. Truett delivered this address on the East Steps of the U.S. Capitol on May 16, 1920. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people participated in the ceremony held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Words of Founders, Baptists and Others about Church and State
Compiled by Kevin Boswell

Civil Religion

The U.S. Flag in the Place of Worship
An article by Bill White that explains reasons for not using the U.S. flag in worship.

Government Funding of Religion

Government Funding of Houses of Worship in the Wake of Tragedy: Protecting Religious Liberty and Avoiding Pitfalls
In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, houses of worship face enormous challenges responding to the needs of the suffering. Houses of worship should beware of the consequences of accepting government funds, particularly at this time of tremendous vulnerability.

Keeping the Faith: The Promise of Cooperation, the Perils of Government Funding: A Guide for Houses of Worship
This guide seeks to address the practical, ethical and constitutional ways to minister in cooperation with government, as well as religious liberty concerns created when government subsidizes religious ministries.

Religion in Political Discourse

Critique of David Barton's "America's Godly Heritage"
A response to David Barton's tape entitled America's Godly Heritage, J. Brent Walker compiled this pamphlet to counter Barton's thesis that America is a "Christian Nation." Issues discussed include the religious faith of our Founding Fathers, biblical references and judicial decisions.

Religion in the Public Schools

Religion in the Public Schools: A Joint Statement of Current Law
In April 1995, 36 organizations formalized a statement committing themselves to freedom of religious practice and separation of church and state. This brochure outlines this agreement which includes discussion on student prayers, teaching about religion and distribution of religious literature. Recommended for parents, educators and students.

The Equal Access Act and the Public Schools: Questions and Answers
This Act of Congress allows religious student groups to meet under certain circumstances in public secondary schools. This 16 page booklet describes how the Act applies to practical school situations and answers some 29 questions that are frequently asked about the Act.

Religion in the Public School Curriculum: Questions and Answers
Growing numbers of people in the United States think it is important to teach about religion in the public schools. But what is the appropriate place of religion in the public school curriculum? How does one approach such issues as textbook content, values education, creation science, and religious holidays? This brochure addresses teaching about religion in ways that are constitutionally permissible, educationally sound, and sensitive to the beliefs of students and parents.

Religious Holidays in the Public Schools: Questions and Answers
How should public schools handle religious holidays? This brochure offers advice on the development of guidelines that show sensitivity to the needs of all students and a willingness to steer a course between the avoidance of all references to religion on one hand and the promotion of religion on the other.

Shall We Pray at Graduation?
A short informational pamphlet which highlights the baccalaureate service as a means for avoiding Constitutional entanglements at high school graduation.

Religion in the Workplace

Guidelines on Religious Exercise and Religious Expression in the Federal Workplace

Religious Liberty

A Shared Vision: Religious Liberty in the 21st Century
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This joint statement expresses the belief of the Baptist Joint Committee and other supporting signers that government should remain neutral toward religion. Discussion includes religion and politics, religion and public education, and aid to religious institutions.

Freedom Is Never Free
A discussion guide for a video highlighting the importance of church-state separation to protecting religious liberty and the role of the Baptist Joint Committee in defending that principle.

Separation No Myth: Religious Liberty's Biblical and Theological Bases
Jim Spivey, in this Southwestern Journal of Theology article, argues that the separation of church and state is necessary because they differ radically in nature. This article includes a detailed assessment of the perils of established religion as well as provides an overview of Baptist influence in this struggle for religious liberty.