By Diane Jordan
I grew up in Baptist churches that stressed religious liberty. While I’ve known of the Baptist Joint Committee for as long as I can remember, I really connected when my husband and I moved to Washington, D.C., and Monty became assistant pastor of the National Baptist Memorial Church, which was built as a memorial to religious liberty.
Emanuel Carlson, then the executive director of the BJC, was a member of the church and became a good friend. We learned so much from him and from our church’s annual “Religious Liberty Week,” inviting great guest speakers for nightly services on the subject.
The BJC is unique to me because I know of no other organization that does such a good job. Not only do they advocate for our First Amendment rights, but they constantly teach groups and individuals, using Jesus’ teachings and biblical principles as the basis for their work.
The staff of BJC is, without exception, worthy of admiration on many levels. It is made up of people who are extremely knowledgeable in both law and religion, who know well our Baptist history and heritage, and who are personable, interesting, caring individuals. During our 10 years in D.C., we got to know James Dunn and were so impressed with his courage and commitment. Brent Walker continues the great tradition of having the “best and brightest” and representatives of the faith lead the BJC.
I chose to include the BJC in my estate plans because, when we later became “scholars in residence” at the BJC, Monty and I were deeply impressed by the quality of the work we saw being done and the Christ-like manner in which all the staff dealt with tough situations or people. Monty has passed away, but I know he would feel as I do — that one of the best possible uses of our resources is doing what we can to continue the fine work of the BJC.
I want others to understand the urgency of protecting, explaining and expanding religious liberty for all. There is so much confusion about what it means to have religious liberty, and many haven’t a clue about the true meaning of it or of our Baptist history in this regard. All of us need to work together so the next generation will have religious liberty and understand its vital importance.
If you have included the BJC in your estate plans or would like information about naming us as beneficiary of a will or retirement plan, visit BJConline.org/planned-giving and fill out the simple form. You may also contact Development Director Taryn Deaton at 202-544-4226 or by email at [email protected].
From the January 2016 Report from the Capital. Click here to return to the cover story.
