Protecting Public Schools and Religious Liberty: July Updates from BJC
As Lutherans committed to justice and religious liberty for all, we are called to stay informed and take faithful action. This month’s Faith Freedom Dispatch from the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC) outlines major developments impacting faith freedom—and what you can do in response. Read the full newsletter.
Federal Alert: School Vouchers and Budget Cuts in the “Big, Beautiful Bill”
The Senate has narrowly passed a sweeping reconciliation bill backed by President Trump, including a national school voucher program that undermines public education and religious liberty. While the program is now state-optional, it’s paired with trillions in tax cuts offset by slashes to health and nutrition programs. The Congressional Budget Office reports it will add $3.5 trillion to the national deficit.
📣 Action: Contact your House representative and urge a NO vote on this harmful legislation.
Supreme Court Decisions on Religious Liberty
BJC General Counsel Holly Hollman weighs in on two significant rulings:
Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin: The Court unanimously upheld the rights of religious service organizations.
Mahmoud v. Taylor: The Court ruled that parents may opt out of LGBTQ+ lessons based on religious objections—but stopped short of granting broad curricular control to religious interests.
Ten Commandments Law Blocked
In Louisiana, a federal appeals court blocked a law requiring public school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments, citing BJC’s concern for religious coercion and student rights.
On the Ground: Texas Pastors Speak Out
Pastors in Dallas—partnering with Vecinos Unidos—called on Dallas ISD to ban ICE from school grounds after agents were spotted near school food distributions. Dressed in white, they showed bold solidarity for immigrant families and children.
From Assembly to Action
BJC staff recently returned from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) General Assembly in St. Louis, where they led workshops on Christian nationalism and energized dozens of advocates at their action center. Amanda Tyler also shared insights from her book How to End Christian Nationalism.
Don’t Miss the Latest Episodes of Respecting Religion
Tune in to the BJC podcast for vital conversations on SCOTUS rulings, Christian nationalism in Texas, and a new Trump administration travel ban.