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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Holding up the jewel of religious liberty
By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
I eagerly anticipate the Baptist Joint Committee’s board meeting each October. In fact, the whole staff does because we draw such energy and encouragement through our interaction with this talented and involved group representing the BJC’s 15 member bodies. This year, however, the board meeting also marked a renewal of the BJC in many ways as we celebrated the opening of the Center for Religious Liberty.
Celebration of a new beginning highlights the BJC’s collaborative work
By K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
With the opening of the Center for Religious Liberty, the BJC is poised to strengthen its advocacy in the nation’s capital and beyond. As we celebrate this new beginning, we also rededicate ourselves to our mission and to expanding our reach in the future.
Center for Religious Liberty opens
Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer thanked the Baptist Joint Committee for filing briefs before the High Court, saying at the opening of the BJC’s new Center for Religious Liberty on Capitol Hill that “when you file briefs, they help.”
Signs we’re taking ‘no religious test’ seriously
By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
The upcoming election will be an important one and certainly historic in at least one sense. In the 223 years of our republic, this will be the first time that no white Anglo-Saxon Protestant will appear on either ticket of the two major parties for president or vice president.
Religious liberty and individual states
By K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
During this election season, the presidential race is the primary focus for political energy. That makes sense, given the important role of the presidency and the varied and tremendous challenges our government faces. In many states, however, there are also election efforts under way with ramifications for religious liberty specifically.
BJC, other faith leaders support Tennessee mosque
By Bob Allen, Associated Baptist Press
More than 100 religious leaders, including the head of the Baptist Joint Committee, signed an open letter July 18 voicing support for a Tennessee mosque asking a federal judge to permit use of its newly built building to celebrate Ramadan.
North Dakota rejects ballot measure opposed by BJC
Written by Nan Futrell
The Raspberry approach to public policy issues
By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
I am sometimes asked where the Baptist Joint Committee stands on the political spectrum: conservative or liberal? My response is that the BJC is neither left nor right, but at the sensible center. There are others in the public arena that approach public policy issues the way we do, but not many. Unfortunately, one of them recently passed away. William Raspberry — one of the first widely read African-American columnists in the United States — died on July 17.
From the July/August 2012 Report from the Capital.
Rallying support for religious freedom
By K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
Summer, especially near July Fourth, is a good time for congregations and religious communities to host an annual religious freedom emphasis.Too often we take our freedom for granted, giving little thought to the big ideas that make our country special.
From the July/August 2012 Report from the Capital.
Shedding light, not bringing heat
Written by J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
Less than six months out from the 2012 fall elections, religion continues to be a part of the campaigns. I predict it only will accelerate. Four years ago I offered this conundrum as a challenge: …
From the June 2012 Report from the Capital
