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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Religious freedom election results, including a slim rejection of a religious freedom amendment in Arkansas
Ballot measures in Arkansas, Tennessee, and West Virginia involved religious freedom in 2022, and the results were a mixed bag.
Citizen advocates from across the country mark Native American Heritage Month by urging passage of the Save Oak Flat Act
Hundreds of religious liberty advocates are sending a letter to Congress asking for the passage of the Save Oak Flat Act (H.R. 1884/S. 915).
New research survey shows Americans don’t like Christian nationalism, do support the separation of church and state
A new Pew Research Center Survey suggests that once they are sufficiently introduced to the concept, most Americans see clearly the dangers of Christian nationalism and know better than to merge patriotism and faith.
Federal appeals courts rule on legislative, judicial prayers
Two different federal appeals courts have recently ruled on cases involving prayers offered at official governmental proceedings.
Attacks on worshippers in Nigeria lead to calls for higher U.S. priority on religious freedom in Nigeria policy
A recent horrific attack on worshippers at a mosque in Nigeria is the latest in a rash of deadly attacks at houses of worship in the country, leading the USCIRF to report on the growing problem in Nigeria, which was “once known for its widespread religious diversity.”
U.S. senator draws criticism for espousing dangerous Christian nationalism mythology
A recent speech by Sen. Josh Hawley provides a clear example of the troubling reasoning of Christian nationalism, insisting that “without the Bible, there is no America.”
Supreme Court declines to expedite another religious liberty dispute, majority requires applicant to exhaust lower court options first
By a somewhat surprising 5-4 vote this week, the Court rejected the application of Yeshiva University to halt a New York state court order requiring it to recognize an LGBTQ group as an official student organization pending the outcome of litigation over the matter.
Citing state’s RFRA and Free Speech principles, federal court sides with wedding photographer in dispute over same-sex wedding objection
A federal judge in Kentucky enjoined enforcement of Louisville’s Fairness Ordinance against a wedding photographer who objects to same-sex marriage on religious grounds.
Appeals court grants injunction ordering California school district to reinstate Fellowship of Christian Athletes as official student club
A panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a district court ruling and granted an injunction ordering the San Jose school district to recognize as an official student club the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
New Texas law requires posting ‘In God We Trust’ in schools, others warn of brazen Christian environment as students return to public schools
“In God We Trust” postings at public schools are not a new concern, and they may at first glance appear to be a relatively benign practice. However, viewed in the context of the broader, growing threat of Christian nationalism, this practice takes on an even more troublesome meaning.
