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’s Tyler to CBS News: Christian nationalism continues to fuel former President Trump’s Big Lie
BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler spoke to CBS News about the ways Christian nationalism “absolutely was on display” during President Trump’s remarks at an event last week and the insurrection itself.
In blow to religious freedom, SCOTUS rules for the first time that a state’s tuition assistance program must fund religious education
In its Carson v. Makin ruling, the Supreme Court sidestepped concerns raised by Maine officials and religious liberty advocates – including BJC – that supporting religious education with taxpayer dollars undermines historic principles of church-state separation that states should have the leeway to protect.
State Department issues 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, president makes appointment to USCIRF
The U.S. Department of State released its annual Report on International Religious Freedom, as required by federal law
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.
