In this LIVE conversation, Amanda and Holly take a moment to catch up and review some of the recent news since last week’s program. They discuss how religious leaders have been engaging in peaceful protests of immigration raids, how the ongoing government shutdown is impacting court cases, a change in Oklahoma regarding Bible teaching in public schools, and more. This show first aired live on Thursday, October 23, at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on BJC’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram channels.
As the Supreme Court begins a new term, we can’t ignore what else is going on in our country – attacks on the rule of law, weaponization of the Department of Justice, the militarization of American cities, disruptive and chaotic immigration enforcement, and a government shutdown. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman are back for a new season of Respecting Religion to bring thoughtful conversations to these issues and more at the intersection of religion and the law. In the season 7 premiere, they focus on the current Supreme Court term, including a case with an egregious violation of a person’s religious freedom rights that brought together unlikely allies.
During its 2025 meeting in Washington, D.C., the BJC Board of Directors elected the Rev. Dr. Philip Thompson to serve as chair, the Rev. Dr. Christopher The to serve as vice chair, the Rev. Dr. Elijah Zehyoue to serve as secretary, and Sofi Hersher Andorsky to serve as treasurer.
With a litany of changes to our nation’s immigration policies and enforcement activities over the past few months, we continue to see faith communities leading as they exercise their religious freedom to do their work freely, boldly and without fear. Many have been doing ministry among immigrants and refugees, and taking that ability away now undermines the autonomy of congregations and people of faith.
To challenge the influence of Christian nationalism, BJC’s Christians Against Christian Nationalism project is empowering local communities to organize, and we invite you to join them! We have more than 20 active and developing groups across the country, and even more are on the way.
