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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BJC’s Tyler warns U.S. House subcommittee of Christian nationalism’s relationship to white supremacy in America
In testimony before Congress, BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler explained the relationship between Christian nationalism and white supremacy, and she suggested a helpful formula for distinguishing Christianity from Christian nationalism.
U.S. Supreme Court questions whether a web designer has a Free Speech right to refuse wedding pages for same-sex couples
Even though 303 Creative v. Elenis was taken on Free Speech grounds, there are significant reasons for religious liberty advocates to care about how this case is decided.
U.S. Senate passes bill protecting interracial and same-sex marriages after votes on religious liberty amendments
New federal legislation that would require states to recognize marriages that are lawfully performed in other states – including same-sex and interracial marriages – appears poised to become law after an amended version of the Respect for Marriage Act passed the U.S. Senate this week on a 61-36 vote.
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.
