Two new religious freedom council picks criticized

From Associated Baptist Press, Religion News Service and BJC Staff Reports
Two new commissioners appointed to an independent panel that advises the State Department on international religious freedom violations are drawing criticism for holding views described as out of the mainstream.
From the April 2012 Report from the Capital

Remembering Ed Gaustad: a religious liberty champion

Edwin Scott Gaustad, one of the premier historians of American religion, died March 25 in Santa Fe, N.M., at age 87. An exemplar of Baptist principles, he was a staunch advocate of religious liberty and separation of church and state. What a great loss this is. Ed...

Free speech, religious belief and Westboro Baptist

Written by K. Hollyn Hollman, BJC General Counsel
Westboro Baptist Church — the tiny but seemingly ubiquitous church group founded by Fred Phelps of Topeka, Kan., and consisting mostly of his family members — is one of the most notorious religious groups in America. Now adding to the church’s distinction is a U.S. Supreme Court case bearing their leader’s name and upholding their constitutional rights despite the harm caused to a grieving military family. …

BJC disappointed in Supreme Court ruling regarding tax credits

High Court says taxpayers in the case do not have the right to bring Establishment Clause suit FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeff Huett | Phone: 202-544-4226 | Cell: 202-680-4127 Cherilyn Crowe | Phone: 202-544-4226 | Cell: 615-519-0620 April 4, 2011 WASHINGTON – A...