Protecting Faith Freedom: Legal Updates, Events, and Opportunities from BJC
In its September 2025 newsletter, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) shares key updates at the intersection of faith, law, and justice. Among the highlights: a federal judge has temporarily halted a controversial Texas law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Families from diverse religious backgrounds, supported by BJC, argued the law violated First Amendment protections, and the court agreed—for now. The ruling affects several major districts, including Houston and Austin.
Also in this issue, BJC General Counsel Holly Hollman warns of recent IRS guidance that undermines the Johnson Amendment, the longstanding rule that bars houses of worship from partisan political endorsements. Hollman explains how this shift could invite political influence into sacred spaces, and urges faith communities to stay active in advocacy while steering clear of partisan entanglements. You can read her full article on the Faith & Leadership website.
BJC is currently hiring a Director of Development—a pivotal leadership role to advance the organization’s mission through fundraising and partnership-building. The new hire will support cornerstone initiatives like Christians Against Christian Nationalism, the BJC Center for Faith, Justice & Reconciliation, and the Annual Fund.
Finally, BJC invites you to save the date for the 21st Walter B. and Kay W. Shurden Lectures, taking place October 21–23 in the Twin Cities in partnership with the University of St. Thomas. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Sergio González, presenting “Criminalizing Mercy: Sanctuary and Government Repression of Migrant Justice”—a timely reflection on compassion and risk in public faith.
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