What is the role of churches and other houses of worship in protecting democracy? This topic usually comes up because of bad actors that overstep into partisanship, but today’s show looks at how faith communities can help our elections run smoothly. Holly Hollman speaks with Chris Crawford of Protect Democracy – a nonprofit, cross-ideological organization that has a new playbook to help faith communities ensure “all eligible voters can access a ballot and every valid vote is counted.” Learn more about how people of faith can love their neighbors and take active roles in protecting our system of government.
Now that the first votes have been cast in the presidential primaries, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at some of the troubling statements and activities on the campaign trail concerning the role of religion and religious freedom – from both Democrats and Republicans. While candidates are – and should be – free to talk about the ways their faith inspires them, there are some red lines when it comes to politicking in houses of worship with tax-exempt resources or using political power as a way to impose religion on others.
With a presidential election on the horizon, an ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, and democracy itself being questioned, 2024 promises to be a pivotal year with many significant areas to monitor.
BJC’s annual Religious Liberty Scholarship Contest returns this year in an expanded format, aiming to creatively engage high school students in church-state issues. Students can submit a video or an essay to enter.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor showed a thoughtful approach toward religious liberty issues during her time on the bench, upholding both the Free Exercise Clause and the Establishment Clause. Paying tribute to her soon after her passing on December 1, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman remember Justice O’Connor’s contributions and talk about her legacy, sharing personal reflections as well as wisdom from Justice O’Connor that holds true today. They also look at her controversial endorsement test and how the Supreme Court has shifted – both the law and in terms of public opinion – after her retirement. Amanda and Holly also take a moment to share what we learned about you, our listeners, from this year’s Spotify Wrapped.
Open to all high school juniors and seniors, the Religious Liberty Scholarship Contest is accepting entries through March 15, 2024. Students can submit an essay or a TikTok-style video on the topic.
We live in an extreme moment — one that calls us to be extremists: extremists for justice, extremists for love.
BJC again provided testimony before Congress last week, this time on the same day that the House of Representatives finally landed on a new speaker.
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler will be speaking on a panel at the 11th Annual Herbener Lecture in Dallas, Texas.
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler will be giving the keynote speech for the Fifth Annual Gershenson Lecture at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
Texas chaplains are leading the fight against “chaplains” replacing counselors in public schools.
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler will be speaking at the Thomas E. Stricklin Lectures in Church History hosted by Northminster Church
