WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer thanked the Baptist Joint Committee for filing briefs before the High Court, saying at Monday’s opening of the BJC’s new Center for Religious Liberty on Capitol Hill that “when you file briefs, they help.”
Breyer continued, “It doesn’t mean you always win,” drawing laughter from the members of the Baptist Joint Committee Board of Directors and friends.
Breyer said he counts on friend-of-the-court briefs because they come from groups that often know more about the issues at hand than the lawyers from one of the parties.
Breyer spoke at the opening event for the Center for Religious Liberty, which is located across the street from the U.S. Supreme Court and two blocks from the U.S. Capitol. The Center will increase the BJC’s work capacity as the organization continues to file briefs and work with Congress and the White House.
Importantly, it also expands the BJC’s ability to accommodate additional staff and visitors as the BJC increases its education efforts. Staff will be able to host larger and more frequent groups of students, church members and clergy who visit Washington, D.C.
The office design — using wood and glass, a smart layout and advanced interactive technology — balances the needs of staff with the goal of providing visitors meaningful exposure to the work of the organization and Baptist heritage.
The floor plan takes advantage of the BJC’s impressive view of Capitol Hill. The new Baugh-Walker Conference Suite is state-of-the-art space that doubles the BJC’s meeting capacity and highlights a southwest corner view of the U.S. Supreme Court building and the U.S. Capitol dome. The suite is named for BJC supporter Babs Baugh and BJC Executive Director J. Brent Walker.
In addition to these features, the Center includes:
— Expanded office space for visiting scholars and advocates.
— Gallery space to highlight the history and mission of the BJC.
— Improved technological capabilities.
— Enhanced capacity for resources, curriculum and literature.
Click here for the BJC’s Center for Religious Liberty page.
Click here to view more photos of the event.
Click here to watch Justice Breyer’s remarks.
Click here to view the new Center for Religious Liberty.
Click here for photos from the dedication ceremony of the Baugh-Walker Conference Suite.
