Our group in Illinois is growing at breakneck speed. Formed just a few months ago, they got involved immediately in efforts to stop federal tax dollars from being directed to private religious schools. The group organized and delivered a letter to Gov. JB Pritzker in May, urging him not to opt in to the federal program created by the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and they are actively working to pass legislation along the same lines. This group — known as “Christians Against Christian Nationalism Illinois” — already hosted an exercise to identify existing partners, leaders, and opportunities for further growth. More groups in the state are on the horizon. Want to connect? Contact Rev. Karen Atkins at [email protected].

Based in Raleigh, the Triangle Area group is focused on supporting public education. They fought a problematic state bill that allows students to leave school during the day for private religious instruction, which stripped control from local school boards. After presenting to a local church on the issue, they saw church members get engaged immediately, contacting their state senators with concerns about the policy. The group’s efforts created new connections and got people involved who had never participated in this way. Want to be part of the work in the Raleigh-Durham area? Contact Tirzah Turner at [email protected].

All of us can learn from immigrant faith communities, as they navigate an ongoing crisis of safety and stability. BJC’s organizing team created a focus group of pastors serving Latino and Asian immigrant faith communities to hear firsthand how religious freedom overlaps with their engagement in public life. Immigrant churches remind us that survival itself is sacred, and they model how to embody a deep practice of faith that does not depend on the government. Currently, many are focused on helping congregants meet basic needs, respond to immigration-related challenges, and care for one another in an increasingly uncertain environment.

Each quarter, we’re giving clergy the chance to check-in with each other and take action. These online gatherings are open to people across the country, and we get more and more participants each time! Our gatherings in January, April, and July let faith leaders engage with each other directly, explored practical steps about moving communities into action, and provided opportunities to act on pressing issues. If you are a member of clergy of any religion or denomination, we want to see you at our next one! Get notified by joining our email list.

How do we move from concern about Christian nationalism to action? We developed a new 5-session course for faith communities who want to take the next steps, and we need volunteers to help us pilot it! “Organizing for Religious Freedom: From Concern to Faithful Action” helps your community identify strategic action steps through faith-rooted organizing. Before we release the course to everyone, we need groups to test it out and offer feedback. Do you have a group that can give the course a trial run before October 31? Sign up and get connected!