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BJC’s Amanda Tyler and others share the dangers of false accusations targeting Lutheran social service agencies.

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BJC General Counsel Holly Hollman discusses a troubling proposal for public school chaplains.

defend religious liberty

By Amanda Tyler for Bloomberg Opinion

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New poll: 29% of Americans espouse Christian nationalism, unchanged from 2023

New poll: 29% of Americans espouse Christian nationalism, unchanged from 2023

PRRI questioned 22,000 Americans in all 50 states, and it measured support for Christian nationalism views by asking each participant whether and to what extent they agreed or disagreed with five core beliefs tied to Christian nationalism.
Quaker congregations file suit challenging new White House immigration policy

Quaker congregations file suit challenging new White House immigration policy

A lawsuit filed by several Quaker congregations challenges the Trump administration's new policy as a violation of religious freedom protections under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), the freedom to associate under the First Amendment, and as a violation of various provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act.
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear cases involving religious school funding, parent rights to opt out of grade school curriculum

U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear cases involving religious school funding, parent rights to opt out of grade school curriculum

In the last two weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a pair of religious liberty cases, one of which is a closely watched case in Oklahoma that may reshape the landscape of church-state law surrounding government funding of religion, and the other involves parents’ challenge to a school district removing their ability to opt out of reading curriculum assignments that they object to on religious grounds.

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A Supreme Court case on medical care for transgender youth could have major ramifications — not only for children who have gender dysphoria and their families but also for how other statutes are reviewed under the Equal Protection Clause. In this episode, Amanda and Holly examine the oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, breaking down key moments in the heated courtroom exchanges, examining the specific constitutional question in this case, and discussing the broader implications of the possible ruling. 

This episode brings you a special presentation on the politics of secularization, featuring a presentation from Dr. John Compton and responses from Rev. Dr. David Gushee and Rev. Dr. Angela Parker. Given the week after the 2024 presidential election, the lecture and responses explore how rising secularism contributes to the growth of political extremism, how flagging participation in faith traditions correlates to diminishing civic engagement, and the importance of taking a holistic approach to the various issues undermining democracy and dividing progressive movements.

Now that Election Day 2024 is in the rearview mirror, what did we learn? Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman look at the results and what they might mean for our country and the protection of faith freedom for all. They discuss where we saw religion used on the campaign trail, what we might expect to see in the next four years under a second Trump administration, and ways all of us can make a significant difference in local communities.

This episode takes you on the road with Amanda Tyler as she travels the country with her book, titled How to End Christian Nationalism. You’ll hear a conversation with Amanda and the Rev. Dr. Bill Leonard about the problems of Christian nationalism, held October 29 at Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. How to End Christian Nationalism is a vital companion for countering the dangerous ideology, and you can order a copy wherever you get your books. 

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S6, Ep. 08: Ten Commandments and Trump’s first week

S6, Ep. 08: Ten Commandments and Trump’s first week

In this episode, Amanda and Holly discuss the problems with government mandates to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms, focusing on a case out of Louisiana. BJC and other Christian groups filed a brief in that case to explain why, as Christians, we oppose the Louisiana law and how the government’s decision to choose a religious text to display in a public school setting not only cheapens our faith but also puts the government in a role it is not called to play. Plus, Amanda and Holly talk through President Donald Trump’s first week back in the White House, sharing where they saw concerning signs for religion and religious liberty.
S6, Ep. 07: Jimmy Carter: Baptist, president, servant leader

S6, Ep. 07: Jimmy Carter: Baptist, president, servant leader

President Jimmy Carter introduced millions of people to what it means to be a Baptist. In this episode, Amanda and Holly reflect on what he meant to our country and to both of them, as fellow Baptists, as well as his impact on faith freedom for all. They share how he is a shining example of the diversity of Baptists in our country as well as what it looks like to live out one’s faith freely and fully without forcing it on others.
Amanda Tyler testifies to Congress on the threat of Christian nationalism

Amanda Tyler testifies to Congress on the threat of Christian nationalism

Watch a portion of the testimony of Amanda Tyler, executive director of BJC and lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, before Congress on October 25, 2023. "To oppose Christian nationalism is not to oppose Christianity," she said.
Meet the 2023 BJC Fellows

Meet the 2023 BJC Fellows

What happens when young professionals from diverse backgrounds gather in Colonial Williamsburg to begin their journey as a BJC Fellow? Hear from the class of 2023 about their experience and what it means to defend faith freedom for everyone.