A Baptism assembly line. Calls for political violence. Worship songs. Conspiracy theories. The ReAwaken America tour merged all these into one hodgepodge movement that was infused with Christian nationalism.

A 2022 Supreme Court decision continues to sow confusion and misguided claims. On the #podcast, we’re revisiting our conversation on Kennedy v. Bremerton, where the Court ruled for a coach and abandoned protections for the religious freedom rights of *students.*

Nearly every one of Texas's 1,200 school districts rejected SB11, the state-organized prayer in school law. Parents, students, teachers, clergy, and community leaders across Texas showed up, spoke out, and won. But the fight is not over.

What makes this country great? Rob Reiner told us in 2024 that it’s our pluralistic society and the freedom of religion. Revisit this conversation on Christian nationalism and the film "God and Country" with Reiner and director Dan Partland.

As our country sails toward celebrating its 250th anniversary, it’s important to remember the contributions of Richard Allen. Read more from Jaziah Masters in BJC’s winter magazine. bjconline.org/erasure-fait...

We’re highlighting more 2025 BJC Fellows! -Harmeet Kaur Kamboj -Christine Krieger -Victor Lee -Rev. Tom Reid Learn more about the 2025 BJC Fellows and apply for the 2026 class: bjconline.org/fellows/

Recently, the BJC Board of Directors approved a revised mission statement for BJC: “Rooted in a Baptist commitment to soul liberty, we are building a movement toward a just society that cultivates and expands religious freedom for all.” What’s the significance? Read more: https://loom.ly/Rkj4lRE

People from all faiths – and of no faith – can find common cause in working together to defend religious liberty for everyone. Rabbi David Segal shares why he found alignment with Baptists, and he now serves as BJC’s policy counsel. Read more: BJConline.org/a-rabbi-among-baptists/

Valentine's Day has already passed, but spreading love should happen ALL 365 days of the year! Now, let’s talk about The Neighborhood Love Quest.

Do you want to learn about how we fight to protect religious freedom for ALL people? Our internship is open to people of all ages. Housing is provided, and you will receive a monthly stipend. Apply at bjconline.org/internships

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Lent reminds us of our mortality and our utter dependence on God to sustain us in this life. As this season begins, may we turn again toward God and recommit ourselves to defending faith freedom for all.

Some senators remain skeptical that ICE activity is happening on or near houses of worship. We need your help to document the truth. -Share your story with us: loom.ly/WUTV6Gs -Send us a news link: loom.ly/IyjeqLA Policymakers need to hear your voice.

How does Christian nationalism undermine the Christian faith? In this re-released interview from 2019, scholar Walter Brueggemann talks with Amanda Tyler about the theological dangers of Christian nationalism. Listen here: BJConline.org/best-of-dr-walter-brueggemann-on-christian-nationalism

Meet more of our 2025 BJC Fellows! -Pastor Caleb Cooke, Bowie, MD. -Rev. Alexis Engelbrecht-Villafane, Claremore, OK.-Rev. Zack Jackson, Hattiesburg, MS. Learn more and apply to be a 2026 BJC Fellow on our website: https://loom.ly/E7hV95U

BJC’s Rabbi David Segal spoke to @rollingstone.com about how recent immigration enforcement actions are undermining religious freedom. Many faith communities are facing fear and uncertainty as they care for immigrant neighbors. https://loom.ly/jVMDxFs

This Black History Month, we honor the faith, courage, and leadership of Black Americans whose work has helped shape our nation and expand freedom for all. Learn more through our African Americans and Religious Freedom resource: bjconline.org/africanamericansreligiousfreedom

@bjconthehill.bsky.social (Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty) has joined the call for Congress to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act “and hold ICE accountable by withholding their funding,” according to an email sent to supporters Jan. 28. baptistnews.com/article/bjc-...

Christian nationalism is about power and control. Christianity is about love, humility, and following Jesus. They are not the same. Confusing them harms our faith, threatens religious liberty, and diminishes our democracy.

Clergy across traditions are coming together to stand up for religious freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law. We need your voice now more than ever. Join us on January 29! Please register in advance to receive event details and updates. https://loom.ly/Ow4mdno

ICE actions are making it harder for people to live, gather, and worship without fear. Take action and tell Congress to hold ICE accountable and pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. Take action using our simple form: https://loom.ly/hIMUbWc

Protect religious freedom in just 2 minutes! The U.S. Department of Labor is considering changes that could pressure people to participate in religious activities to access federally funded job training. bjconline.org/actnow/

Introducing the 2025 BJC Fellows! -Kale Anderson -Rev. Abigaíl Medina Betancourt -Rev. Christopher M. Coates Learn more about these BJC Fellows and apply to be part of the 2026 class at BJConline.org/bjcfellows2025/

BJC statement on immigration enforcement in Minneapolis and nationwide. Religious freedom isn’t something that exists on paper. It is something that is lived. Read the full statement on our website: https://loom.ly/iSwsKfo

At @BJConthehill and @CACNationalism, we take those words seriously. That’s why we work every day to protect religious freedom for all, and to oppose Christian nationalism, which threatens our faith, our democracy, and our shared future. Learn more: bjconline.org

BJC is starting the new year in a new office space on Capitol Hill. Before we moved, we wanted to honor all of the important moments we had while working out of 200 Maryland Avenue since 1965. Here are a few photos, and you can read more in our magazine: bjconline.org/a-tribute-to...

In these trying times, clergy across traditions are coming together to confront the rise of Christian nationalism. Join us January 29 for a gathering focused on courageous risk-taking. Register in advance to receive updates and event details: https://loom.ly/Ow4mdno

Join us January 20 at 3 p.m. ET for an info session to learn more about the BJC Fellows Program, an immersive experience for young professionals committed to defending religious freedom for all. Applications for the 2026 class are open. Learn more: BJConline.org/fellows/

More than 160 Texas faith leaders from nearly 60 school districts are speaking out against state-organized prayer in public schools. Faith should be voluntary, never mandated by the state. Learn more and read the full press release on our website: BJConline.org/stateorganizedprayer/

Across Texas, people of faith are speaking up for students’ religious freedom & there’s still time to join them. Together, we can protect every student’s freedom to follow their own conscience. Because public schools are not Sunday schools. Get involved: https://loom.ly/aA9d338

The BJC Fellows program brings together emerging leaders who care deeply about religious freedom, democracy, and building a society where everyone belongs. Fellows gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Apply: BJConline.org/fellows/

As we begin a new year, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social is starting her sabbatical. Read her entire column on our website, and check out the other items in our winter magazine! https://loom.ly/SzKoSVc

Religious freedom doesn’t sustain itself. It must be taught, practiced, and passed on. Your generosity ensures that young advocates know their faith freedom is protected, and it enables them to extend that protection to others. Donate by December 31. https://loom.ly/jVJWNSM

Across the country, people of faith are rising up to say: Our faith is not a weapon, it’s a witness. This work doesn’t happen by accident, Make a year-end gift today and help build a just society where everyone belongs. Give now: https://loom.ly/jVJWNSM

Today, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, who was born in humility, not power. His way is marked by love, not force. May this season remind us that faith is a gift freely chosen, never imposed, and that every person deserves the freedom to follow their own conscience.

Faith shines brightest through compassion, service, and community, not coercive power. Your gift helps fuel our work to promote democracy and pluralism, protect faith freedom for all, and resist Christian nationalism. Give here: https://loom.ly/jVJWNSM

On our last Respecting Religion #podcast of 2025, @amandatylerbjc.bsky.social & Holly Hollman talk about some of the news from the past week – including the travel ban expansion, attacks around the world, and an appearance by Amanda before Congress to talk about protecting civil society.

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.