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.
For press inquiries, contact:
Cherilyn Crowe
Director of Communications
[email protected]
202-544-4226 x 305
Cell: 202-670-5877
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.
U.S. Supreme Court rules 8-1 in favor of death row inmate requesting permission for spiritual advisor to lay hands, pray audibly with him in execution chamber
In Ramirez v. Collier, the Supreme Court found in favor of a prisoner who asked that his pastor be present in the execution chamber, lay hands on him, and pray audibly in his final moments. The Court said the state was not likely to meet its burden under RLUIPA to demonstrate that the regulation barring such activities was necessary to achieve its safety interests.
Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings: Religious liberty roundup from day three
During the third day of her Supreme Court confirmation hearing, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was asked about the importance of the free exercise of religion by two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings: Religious liberty roundup from day two
Day two of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearings included questions on topics related to religious liberty and the role of faith in making judicial determinations.
BJC’s review of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s record
BJC urges the Senate to engage Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson in thoughtful ways about her understanding and approach to the fundamental and foundational right of religious liberty.
Ohio law allows student athletes to compete with hijabs and other religious apparel
A new law in Ohio guarantees the right of students who participate in athletics to wear religious apparel during competition without the need to obtain a waiver or otherwise receive permission in advance.
Pentagon asks Supreme Court to lift injunction barring vaccine mandate for military personnel, plus developments in other vaccine mandate cases
While the number of COVID-19 cases appear to be declining across the country and restrictions are being lifted, a number of lawsuits over enforcing vaccine mandates against a religious objector continue to work their way through our court systems.
How the war on Ukraine impacts religious liberty
Among the multitude of tragedies unfolding in Ukraine as a result of Russia’s invasion is the increased threat to religious liberty in Ukraine if subject to Russian rule.