Texas politicians created time for organized prayer in schools. Now, they’re pushing students to recite a prayer “taught by Jesus Christ.” Let’s be clear: It’s not the government’s role to decide what children should pray — or whether they should pray at all.

Today, a federal judge blocked a Texas mandate to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms from taking effect in a few school districts. Faith isn’t something the government can force on kids in a classroom. This ruling is temporary as the legal battle continues. 👉 More: https://loom.ly/M941JvU:

On this week's Respecting Religion #podcast, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social, @drdrbrockman.bsky.social, Mark Chancey, @robertdownen.bsky.social, & @jackjenkins.me discuss Christian nationalism in Texas, including why ideas that start in Texas often spread. open.spotify.com/episode/3OWE...

BREAKING: We're suing Texas! AU and allies, representing a group of sixteen Texan families, filed suit in federal court today to block the new state law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. www.au.org/the-latest/p...

www.historians.org/news/america... AHA on Texas Ten Commandments bill

The state has no business telling us whether to worship a god or which god to worship, promoting a religious text, deciding which parts of the Bible are essential and which are disposable, and settling matters of biblical interpretation--my op-ed on Ten Commandments blog.smu.edu/opinions/202...

Tuesday's @texastribune.org symposium on religion in Texas is now up at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES0Z.... The panel discussion featuring @markchancey.bsky.social, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social, @robertdownen.bsky.social & yours truly, moderated by @jackjenkins.me, begins around 1:14:14 & lasts 1 hr

Tuesday's panel discussion on Christian nationalism in Texas, featuring @markchancey.bsky.social, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social, @robertdownen.bsky.social & yours truly and moderated by @jackjenkins.me, is now available in a self-contained video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo8z...

You can attend virtually! Select that option when you register.

Come explore the role of religion in telling Texas’ story; highlighting underrepresented communities, issues and perspectives; and we’ll discuss the role of journalism in shaping public understanding of faith. RSVP: trib.it/ZgAhl0

Quotes from @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social, @markchancey.bsky.social, & yours truly in this excellent piece by @texastribune.org's @robertdownen.bsky.social on an emboldened #ChristianNationalism in the Texas legislature. www.texastribune.org/2025/03/17/t... 1/2