BJC condemns Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the Department of Education
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler: This ‘reckless move’ is a threat to both religious liberty and public schools
Free resource reframes religious freedom through African American culture, history, ideas and religious experiences
The second edition of ‘African Americans and Religious Freedom: New Perspectives for Congregations and Communities’ is now available, providing novel interpretations of religious freedom that speak to our contemporary moment.
S6, Ep. 09: Threats to religious freedom from the Trump administration and a look at the growing resistance
In our second show of the second Trump administration, Amanda and Holly run through a list of recent events that point to a gross misunderstanding of what “religious freedom” means. They review the policy announcements made during the National Prayer Breakfast – including the creation of a task force to “eradicate anti-Christian bias” – and they look at how this administration’s accusations and actions are limiting the religious freedom of several Christian groups who serve others. They also discuss the growing resistance, including court challenges and two opportunities for action to share your views with Congress and the Trump administration. In the final segment, Amanda and Holly share how BJC is celebrating Black History Month with a special invitation.
Amanda Tyler presents the Tippy McMichael Lecture Series in Fayetteville, Ark.
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler will give two presentations for the Tippy McMichael Lecture Series on March 1 and 2 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
S6, Ep. 08: Ten Commandments and Trump’s first week
In this episode, Amanda and Holly discuss the problems with government mandates to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms, focusing on a case out of Louisiana. BJC and other Christian groups filed a brief in that case to explain why, as Christians, we oppose the Louisiana law and how the government’s decision to choose a religious text to display in a public school setting not only cheapens our faith but also puts the government in a role it is not called to play. Plus, Amanda and Holly talk through President Donald Trump’s first week back in the White House, sharing where they saw concerning signs for religion and religious liberty.
BJC opposes President Trump’s executive order purporting to divert public money to private religious schools
The government should not compel taxpayers to furnish funds in support of religion, regardless of whether they adhere to that religion or not.
S6, Ep. 07: Jimmy Carter: Baptist, president, servant leader
President Jimmy Carter introduced millions of people to what it means to be a Baptist. In this episode, Amanda and Holly reflect on what he meant to our country and to both of them, as fellow Baptists, as well as his impact on faith freedom for all. They share how he is a shining example of the diversity of Baptists in our country as well as what it looks like to live out one’s faith freely and fully without forcing it on others.
BJC urges federal appeals court to reject Louisiana law requiring public school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments
H.B. 71 represents a dangerous step toward the entangling of our civic and religious institutions. It chooses a particular version of a text sacred to Christians, picking sides and improperly expressing a preference in long-standing religious debates among and between religious denominations.
Protecting religious liberty in 2025 requires all of us to work together
As BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler wrote, “The response we need in this moment of crisis for many of our neighbors and our country is a recommitment to involvement in our democracy by every person.”
S6, Ep. 06: Oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti: Medical care for transgender youth and the Equal Protection Clause
A Supreme Court case on medical care for transgender youth could have major ramifications – not only for children who have gender dysphoria and their families but also for how other statutes are reviewed under the Equal Protection Clause. In this episode, Amanda and Holly examine the oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, breaking down key moments in the heated courtroom exchanges, examining the specific constitutional question in this case, and discussing the broader implications of the possible ruling. While the specific question in this case involves the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and not the Religion Clauses of the First Amendment, religion and religious arguments often loom large in cases that involve sexual orientation or gender identity.
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S6, Ep. 05: Secularization and the fracturing of the American left w/ John Compton, Angela Parker, and David Gushee
Today’s Respecting Religion podcast you a special presentation on the politics of secularization, featuring a presentation from Dr. John Compton and responses from Rev. Dr. David Gushee and Rev. Dr. Angela Parker. Given the week after the 2024 presidential election, the lecture and responses explore how rising secularism contributes to the growth of political extremism, how flagging participation in faith traditions correlates to diminishing civic engagement, and the importance of taking a holistic approach to the various issues undermining democracy and dividing progressive movements.
