Recent News & Columns
Here are recent columns and news items from the Baptist Joint Committee. Visit our blog and read our monthly magazine, Report from the Capital, to stay current on all religious liberty news. You can also read our press releases online.
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BJC condemns congresswoman’s embrace of Christian nationalism
Greene’s troubling statements represent a stunningly explicit embrace of Christian nationalism — a movement that is becoming more and more brazen.
Vaccine case roundup: Mandates across country largely upheld in recent court decisions
A variety of religious liberty challenges related to vaccine mandates continue to work through courts across the country, and new challenges to COVID-19 vaccine requirements are still being filed.
New study: Government favoritism of religion ‘may harm institutions it is meant to support and protect’
The results of a new study suggest that religious adherents should think twice before accepting state establishment or favoritism, if strengthening the faith is their goal.
Troubling growth of Christian nationalism on display in the pulpit, on the campaign trail
In recent days, several troubling expressions of Christian nationalism have surfaced in the news, which is both a disturbing trend and a reminder of the dangers of equating political identity with religious identity. Unfortunately, Christian nationalism appears to be creeping into our political discourse with increasing ease.
Ballot initiatives in Tennessee and West Virginia place archaic laws restricting religion on the chopping block, Arkansans to vote on Religious Freedom Amendment
Is it too early to look ahead to November? Voters will have the chance to weigh some measures that touch on religion in November, including some archaic laws still on the books.
Unanimous Supreme Court holds Boston’s refusal to fly Christian flag violates free speech guarantee in light of practices allowing other flags
By a vote of 9-0, the Court in Shurtleff v. Boston held that Boston’s flag-flying program did not amount to “government speech” and thus did not allow officials to “exclude speech based on ‘religious viewpoint.’”
Supreme Court considers high school football coach prayer case in ‘startling’ oral arguments
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a church-state case that could have a big impact on protecting public school students from pressure by teachers and school officials to participate in religious activity.
BJC-led coalition of religious freedom advocates urges Congress to protect religious freedom on Earth Day
The clock is ticking on Chí’chil Biłdagoteel, sacred land located in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest. The land, known in English as “Oak Flat,” is sacred to many Tribes in the Southwest but it is slated to be given by the federal government to the company Resolution Copper for destructive mining practices unless Congress takes action.
Court in Tennessee allows claims to go forward against officer for failure to intervene in forced baptism after traffic stop
A court largely denied Officer Jacob Goforth’s motion to dismiss claims against him stemming from his involvement in a bizarre traffic stop. The stop culminated in the baptism of Shandle Riley (the plaintiff in this case) by Hamilton County Deputy Daniel Wilkey.
BJC urges Supreme Court to reject high school coach’s defense of on-field prayers with students
In a friend-of-the-court brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court, BJC is defending the right of public school students to participate fully in extracurricular activities without religious pressure by teachers or coaches.