Signs we’re taking ‘no religious test’ seriously

By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
The upcoming election will be an important one and certainly historic in at least one sense. In the 223 years of our republic, this will be the first time that no white Anglo-Saxon Protestant will appear on either ticket of the two major parties for president or vice president.

Religious liberty and individual states

By K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
During this election season, the presidential race is the primary focus for political energy. That makes sense, given the important role of the presidency and the varied and tremendous challenges our government faces. In many states, however, there are also election efforts under way with ramifications for religious liberty specifically.

BJC, other faith leaders support Tennessee mosque

By Bob Allen, Associated Baptist Press
More than 100 religious leaders, including the head of the Baptist Joint Committee, signed an open letter July 18 voicing support for a Tennessee mosque asking a federal judge to permit use of its newly built building to celebrate Ramadan.

The Raspberry approach to public policy issues

By J. Brent Walker, BJC Executive Director
I am sometimes asked where the Baptist Joint Committee stands on the political spectrum: conservative or liberal? My response is that the BJC is neither left nor right, but at the sensible center. There are others in the public arena that approach public policy issues the way we do, but not many. Unfortunately, one of them recently passed away. William Raspberry — one of the first widely read African-American columnists in the United States — died on July 17.

From the July/August 2012 Report from the Capital.

Rallying support for religious freedom

By K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
Summer, especially near July Fourth, is a good time for congregations and religious communities to host an annual religious freedom emphasis.Too often we take our freedom for granted, giving little thought to the big ideas that make our country special.

From the July/August 2012 Report from the Capital.