Focusing on sanctuary in an era of government repression of migrant justice, Dr. Sergio M. González will deliver the 2025 Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lectures on Religious Liberty and Separation of Church and State, held in partnership with the University of St. Thomas, from Oct. 21-23 in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn.
At an event launching the second edition of ‘African Americans and Religious Freedom: New Perspectives for Congregations and Communities,’ the conversation illuminated the need to critically examine religious freedom in our contemporary moments.
The Rev. Dr. Stan Hastey reflects on a post-presidency interview with Jimmy Carter at his church in Plains, Ga., in 1981.
Brent Walker: “Throughout my 28-year tenure at BJC and thereafter as executive director emeritus, when asked what kind of Baptist I am or BJC is, I have usually said, ‘A Jimmy Carter kind of Baptist.’ Those six words saved me 600 almost every time.”
“It’s not just about resisting — it’s about transforming our communities into spaces of inclusion, equity and shared strength.”
“The fight for religious freedom is not a silent fight — it requires standing tall in spaces that seem intent to shrink you. It requires being the loud one in spaces where your silence is expected,” writes Natalie Johnston-Abbott.