Written by Don ByrdIn Highland Park, Illinois, school officials were troubled earlier today when a student showed up dressed as Jesus. After all, the guidelines warned students against costumes that may offend the religious sensibilities of others. But after looking into it, they decided no harm, no foul.
Written by Don ByrdIn the church-state world, cold weather means holiday disputes can’t be far behind. Earlier this month, I posted about a school district in Wisconsin that barred the use of sacred music in school concerts, a decision that was later rescinded pending further planning to develop the policy.
Religion News Service reports today on a similar development in a New Jersey school district, where church-state concerns have led to a decision to prohibit religious music at elementary school holiday concerts.
Written by Don ByrdWriting for the ABA Journal, David L. Hudson, Jr. warns that the Supreme Court’s eventual decision in Town of Greece v. Galloway could create significant changes to the church-state landscape.
Written by Don ByrdA new ABCNews-Fusion poll shows most Americans believe political leaders should not rely on their religious beliefs in making policy decisions. 14% said they should not rely much on them while 39% said not at all for a 53% majority. Of the 45% who said political leaders should rely on their religious beliefs, 18% said they should rely a great deal, while 26% said only somewhat. Some religious groups are more likely to answer yes.
Written by Don ByrdThis year marks the 20th anniversary of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993, a law that prohibits the federal government from placing a substantial burden on a person’s religious exercise unless there is a compelling government interest in doing so, and the burden is necessary to achieve that interest. To commemorate the occasion, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is sponsoring a symposium at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. on November 7 to discuss RFRA with several fellow advocates for religious liberty.
Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.
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Faith.
Freedom.
For All.
The targeting of religious minorities.
The rise of Christian nationalism.
The politicization of houses of worship.
BJC brings people together to tackle today’s serious threats to religious liberty.