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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Cherilyn Crowe
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Cell: 202-670-5877
It’s Public Schools Week! Public education needs our support now more than ever
Supporting a robust public education system is an incredibly important component of maintaining faith freedom for all.
Oklahoma bill would penalize teachers $10,000 for contradicting student religious beliefs
A controversial bill proposed in the Oklahoma state senate would make public school personnel – including teachers – personally liable for promoting positions in opposition to a student’s closely held religious beliefs.
Missouri governor suggests a religious test for state office, Ohio Senate candidate calls church-state separation a “myth”
Those of us who believe in faith freedom for all call out even indirect suggestions that a public servant is disqualified because of religious views.
New report details significant role of Christian nationalism in January 6 attack on the Capitol
An essential new report issued jointly by BJC and the Freedom From Religion Foundation provides a comprehensive look at the way Christian nationalism motivated and permeated the January 6, 2021, insurrection by documenting and examining the imagery, prayers, and other statements of the rioters and riot organizers.
Report on Christian nationalism and the January 6 insurrection
Read the most complete accounting to date of how Christian nationalism contributed to the events leading up to January 6 and the day of the attack itself.
Appeals Court affirms right of inmate under RLUIPA to possess scented oil for daily prayers
The 9th Circuit ruled in favor of a Nevada state prisoner seeking to use scented oils while praying in accordance with his religious beliefs.
Supreme Court hears argument in case involving request to fly Christian flag at Boston City Hall
This week the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in Shurtleff v. Boston, a lawsuit challenging the city of Boston’s refusal to temporarily fly the Christian flag alongside the United States flag and Massachusetts state flag at its city hall.
Supreme Court to hear case involving high school football coach’s post-game prayer on the field
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear an appeal in the long-running legal dispute over an assistant high school football coach praying on the field following games in Washington state.
Vaccine mandate updates: Federal court halts mandate against Navy personnel seeking religious exemption, and more
The decision against the Navy’s mandate runs counter to the general trend of court decisions which have largely upheld vaccine requirements against claims brought by religious objectors.
2021: The year in religious liberty
Issues surrounding the intersection of religious freedom and public health dominated the religious liberty news in 2021, and it was impossible to miss the display of Christian nationalism at the Capitol insurrection on January 6. Here’s a look at 10 of the biggest religious liberty developments of 2021.