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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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.
Christian high school asks appeals court to take up their loudspeaker prayer case in light of Kennedy, and other federal cases of note
Take a look at three cases working through our federal court system that are worth keeping an eye on from a religious liberty perspective.
More courts are being asked to consider whether abortion restrictions violate religious freedom
The U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, holding there is no right to an abortion under the U.S. Constitution, has led abortion-rights activists in multiple states to make religious freedom arguments for abortion.
Impact of Kennedy v. Bremerton already apparent as courts are forced to reconsider Establishment Clause cases
Will government-sponsored prayer meetings become the norm after Kennedy? Or will courts determine that there is no long-standing historical practice of government-initiated tent revivals?
Baptist scholars urge more education on Baptist history to combat allure of Christian nationalism
True Baptist heritage, scholars explain, rejects everything the ideology of Christian nationalism stands for.
