BJC mourns the tragic loss of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. In January 2024, Rob joined @AmandaTylerBJC on Respecting Religion to discuss “God & Country,” his documentary about the growing threat of Christian nationalism. Listen: https://loom.ly/zXJkNb

Calling all Texas faith leaders! Add your name to our letter for clergy to say no to the Texas state-organized prayer in school law. We believe faith is strongest when it is chosen freely, not directed by the government. Learn more and get involved at BJConline.org/stateorganizedprayer/

@amandatylerbjc.bsky.social recently published an op-ed in @dallasnews.com warning against a proposed legal settlement that would weaken the Johnson Amendment. Read her full piece: https://loom.ly/0FlB_4U

BJC is thrilled to welcome the Rev. Dr. Katie Callaway as our new Director of Development! Katie brings deep experience in fundraising, ministry, and justice work, seeing development as both storytelling and a way to advance faith freedom for all. More: https://loom.ly/Jka1RVc

Respecting Religion, Live: Dec 4. The news is moving fast, and Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman are ready to dig in. This week’s episode of Respecting Religion will be broadcast LIVE as they unpack the latest developments shaping faith freedom for all. https://loom.ly/ch9_DWE

The BJC Fellows Program is an intensive religious liberty cohort experience for young professionals. BJC Fellows come from every background, urban and rural, many faiths and none, united by a calling to defend religious liberty. Learn more & apply: https://loom.ly/E7hV95U

Your support fuels BJC’s work to protect religious liberty for all people. From defending religious minorities to confronting Christian nationalism with courage and compassion, your support makes it all possible. Give here: https://loom.ly/niFGQ4Q #GivingTuesday

SCOTUS seemed skeptical this week when hearing a religious freedom case. On the Respecting Religion #podcast, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social & Holly Hollman examine the arguments in a case about a remedy available to a prisoner after his religious freedom was violated. www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrZd...

Marriage equality and religious liberty go hand in hand. Join Attorney General Dana Nessel for a conversation on the threats to marriage equality and what we can do to protect it. Register: https://bit.ly/jfasdnessel

A Louisiana man was forcibly shaved in prison, violating his religious freedom as a Rastafarian. BJC joined a diverse coalition urging SCOTUS to ensure that individuals like Damon Landor can seek monetary damages when the harm is done Read more: https://loom.ly/Mq-FD7w

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Minneapolis and St. Paul for the 21st Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lectures. The theme this year was “Criminalizing Mercy: Sanctuary and Government Repression of Migrant Justice.” More here: BJCconline.org/shurdenlectures/

Our new merch is here! These aren’t just shirts or totes, they’re conversation starters. They help you say that Christians are showing up differently. To serve our neighbors, to protect religious freedom for everyone, and to build community. Shop here: impactmerch.com/bjc-cacn

Behind every policy analysis, statement, and campaign is a team of people who care deeply about protecting religious freedom for everyone and promoting our pluralistic democracy. To learn more and support our work, visit our website: BJConline.org

Jesus was political, but he wasn’t partisan. In this week’s episode of the Respecting Religion #podcast, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social and Holly look at how the “Johnson Amendment” protects the nonpartisanship of nonprofits – including houses of worship.

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With so much news coming out at a breakneck speed, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social and Holly are broadcasting this week’s Respecting Religion podcast LIVE on Thursday, October 23, at 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT. Make plans to tune in on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram: www.youtube.com/live/FfhOrjU...

Hear the stories being shared from people of faith during these tumultuous times. The Rev. Janna Louie, BJC’s chief of staff, shares a reflection from Los Angeles in an era of ICE raids. Read her reflection in our latest magazine: https://loom.ly/62ifhXA

Are you a member of the clergy or a ministry leader concerned about Christian nationalism? Join our Faith-Rooted Organizing for Clergy gathering alongside other faith leaders resisting Christian nationalism and building a more just future: https://loom.ly/FTjF07w

This Supreme Court term is shaping up to be like no other in history, and we can’t ignore the larger reality during a treacherous time for our country. Join @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social & Holly Hollman for the season 7 premiere of the Respecting Religion podcast! open.spotify.com/episode/66u9...

Now that the new SCOTUS term is underway, take a look at the three church-state decisions from the previous term that will impact families, communities, and the law. Read more in our latest magazine: https://loom.ly/l1x36uM

With attacks on the rule of law, the militarization of troops in American cities, & a new SCOTUS term, there is no better time to tune in to Respecting Religion. Join Holly and @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social as they return Oct. 16 for a new season to share analysis & opportunities for action.

By using federal tax credits to fund religious schools through a provision in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” Congress entangled government and religion in ways our Founders warned against. Read more about the problematic school voucher scheme: https://loom.ly/QcrKc1I

What does today’s movement for migrant justice have in common with those in the past? In a special Q&A, Dr. Sergio M. González shares the connotations that come with the term “sanctuary” and compares the current movement to historical ones. Read more in our latest magazine: https://loom.ly/62ifhXA

Over the past 2 days, the BJC Board of Directors has been together in Washington, D.C., to do the important work of guiding BJC’s mission forward. BJC's board provides leadership and accountability for the ongoing fight for faith freedom for all More: https://loom.ly/K4HIGF4

What happens when acts of mercy are treated like crimes? The 2025 Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lectures on Religious Liberty and Separation of Church and State will take up that question this fall in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Learn more & register here: BJConline.org/ShurdenLectures/

In June, the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation received a $50,000 grant from the Wayfarer Foundation to continue its work. This is the second year of generous support for the Center from Wayfarer. 💡 Learn more about the Center’s work: https://loom.ly/HsWwKls

Among the most significant decisions of the previous Supreme Court term is one about which the Court said the least. BJC General Counsel Holly Hollman explores the decision stopping – for now – a religious charter school, while she looks ahead. Read more: https://loom.ly/WtvzAvM

The school "chaplain" bills are problematic as a policy idea. But seeing how it's put into practice can also reveal the danger: publicwitness.wordandway.org/p/pastor-pus... @interfaithalliance.org @bjconthehill.bsky.social @ffrf.org @americansunited.bsky.social

We saw a sleight of hand in a Texas courthouse this summer, as the IRS suggested that churches could endorse candidates from the pulpit without violating the Johnson Amendment. The cost of falling for the illusion could be the independence of the pulpit. https://loom.ly/l1x36uM

Once-hypothetical threats to religious freedom are now a reality. Mass deportations, a new travel ban, efforts to weaken the Johnson Amendment, voting rights rollbacks, & more are reshaping the landscape. Our latest magazine has tools for action & hope for the future: bjconline.org/report-from-...

We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible students to BJC this semester: ✨Audrey West (Lincoln, Neb.) is a senior at Nebraska Wesleyan University. ✨Sonia Varghese (Gurnee, Ill.) is finishing her degree in Political Science at Loyola University Chicago.

Speaking at the National Religious Freedom in Public Schools Summit, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social talked about how regular people are advocating for the schools and communities they want. Thanks to @goodfaithmedia.bsky.social for this interview with Amanda.

As the sun sets tonight, we join our Jewish neighbors in welcoming Rosh Hashanah. BJC celebrates the freedom that allows us all to live out our faith traditions. Shanah Tovah! May the new year be filled with peace, joy, and renewal. 🍎🍯

Last week, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social spoke at the National Religious Freedom in Public Schools Summit in Dallas, on BJC's coalition work opposing the implementation of the new “Bluebonnet” curriculum in Texas. More from @baptistnews.com https://loom.ly/LY4AkWc

Big news at BJC: ✨ Natalie Johnson-Abbott promoted to Donor Relations Associate ✨ Devin Withrow promoted to Community Engagement Associate Both started as interns and now play vital roles advancing our mission! Read more about BJC’s staff team: https://loom.ly/0yRbK5Y

🚨 Save the Date: 21st Shurden Lectures Criminalizing Mercy: Sanctuary and Government Repression of Migrant Justice Oct. 21–23 | Minneapolis & St. Paul Register: https://loom.ly/_tytzzg

Meet BJC’s new Policy Counsel: Rabbi David Segal! David brings a unique background at the intersection of faith, law, and public life. We’re thrilled to welcome David to the BJC team! You can learn more about him on our website: https://loom.ly/33CE-No

BJC statement on President Trump’s speech at the Religious Liberty Commission meeting. When political leaders suggest that religion is the government’s to promote, they threaten the very freedom they claim to defend. Read the full statement on our website: https://loom.ly/6PZqKGQ

BJC is seeking an experienced Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program that supports our mission of protecting faith freedom for all. Join us in defending religious freedom! Learn more and apply: https://loom.ly/pIqjUDA #FaithFreedomForAll #NowHiring

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:

The #JohnsonAmendment has protected houses of worship from partisan pressure for 70+ years. A new proposal backed by the Trump admin would let congregations endorse political candidates without losing tax-exempt status, opening the door to politics in the pulpit. More: https://loom.ly/_hqoZm4#JohnsonAmendment

Our August newsletter just dropped! From celebrating 10 years of BJC Fellows to organizing faithful resistance in Texas, today’s Faith Freedom Dispatch is full of stories you won’t want to miss. 👉 Subscribe now so you never miss a monthly update from BJC: https://loom.ly/9c_0aDs

🚨 Special episode drop! Amanda Tyler @bjconthehill.bsky.social explains why repealing the Johnson Amendment could politicize the pulpit and threaten church independence. A timely convo on faith, politics, and power. 🎧 Watch → youtu.be/MVhQbmsbU6s

“I’m a Christian and I think there is no more dangerous form of government than theocracy.” - @jamestalarico.bsky.social

Why does the Johnson Amendment safeguard 501(c)(3) nonprofits? Check out Holly Hollman's recent op-ed in ‪@bloombergtax.com for insights on why the IRS's recent claim allowing churches to endorse political candidates during services is detrimental. Link here: https://loom.ly/JSFzjJs

This year marks 10 years of the James Dunn Legacy Circle. Join us in honoring Rev. Dr. James M. Dunn’s bold vision: faith should never divide or control, but promote freedom, justice, and dignity. 🔗 Learn more here: https://loom.ly/zWh-lUE

This week, the IRS told a federal court that churches should be allowed to endorse political candidates during worship services w/o violating the law. Don’t misread the IRS filing on endorsements from the pulpit b/c it doesn’t change the law OR protect churches from enforcement.

My latest @msnbc.com column >> www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...

Statement from @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social on the IRS’s decision to allow churches to endorse candidates from the pulpit. You can read BJC’s full press release here: https://loom.ly/9-XtNyM #JohnsonAmendment #FaithFreedomForAll #EndChristianNationalism

You can love Jesus and American ideals. You can be a proud Christian and reject Christian nationalism. ⁣ This July 4th, let’s say it clearly: ➡️ We’re Christian. We’re patriotic. We oppose Christian nationalism. Learn more on our website: https://loom.ly/yW-VUBk