Former BJC Counsel Melissa Rogers Named Director of White House Faith-Based Office

Written by Don Byrd
Exciting news today! Former Baptist Joint Committee General Counsel Melissa Rogers, who has chaired President Obama’s council of faith-based leaders, has been named the new head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, following Joshua Dubois stepping aside after spending the first term on the job.

The BJC released a statement today on the announcement. An excerpt is below.

3rd Circuit: Elementary Student Has Free Speech Right to Distribute Religious Flier

Written by Don Byrd
When a fifth-grader in Pocono Mountain, California tried to distribute fliers to classmates inviting them to a Christmas party at her church, the school superintendent denied the request, citing a policy that gave him authority to decline to send home non-school events or organizations. Her parents filed suit claiming a violation of First Amendment rights.

Today, the 3rd Circuit affirmed the trial court’s holding (pdf) that the student may not be barred from distributing material so long as there is no “specific and significant fear of disruption.”

Report: Bible Courses in Texas a Missed Opportunity

Written by Don Byrd
In a report published by the Texas Freedom Network, SMU Religious Studies Professor Mark Chancey reviewed bible courses being taught in public schools across the state, pursuant to a law passed in 2007. Today’s Houston Chronicle includes an op-ed in which Chancey summarizes his finding, lamenting that “Texas had the opportunity to be a national leader in teaching about the Bible in the right way, but we failed to do it.”

Hobby Lobby Asks For Expedited Appeal

Written by Don Byrd
One of the most outspoken plaintiffs challenging the contraceptive mandate on religious liberty grounds is asking the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to hear its case and rule by July 1, before fines begin to pile up.