Protecting Sacred Spaces: February Faith Freedom Dispatch Calls for Action
Faith Freedom Dispatch: February 2026
Religious freedom is not an abstract principle—it is something we practice, protect, and defend together. The February 2026 Faith Freedom Dispatch from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) brings timely opportunities for advocacy, learning, and leadership at a moment when faith communities across the country are facing renewed threats to their ability to gather, worship, and serve without fear.
Hold ICE Accountable and Protect Sacred Spaces
BJC is urging people of faith to ask Congress to act now to protect religious freedom by passing the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act (H.R. 1061 and S. 455). This legislation would prohibit immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship, schools, health care facilities, and child care centers.
When immigration enforcement occurs on or near church property, fear keeps people from gathering, participating, and worshiping—and religious freedom is diminished for everyone. BJC also calls on lawmakers to refrain from funding ICE in its current form without meaningful oversight and accountability.
Take action now by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to protect sacred spaces and religious liberty for all.
Protect Religious Freedom in Just Two Minutes
Another urgent opportunity comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, which is considering changes to rules governing federally funded workforce programs. These long-standing safeguards ensure that public funds are not used for religious activities and that people are not pressured to participate in religious practices in order to receive help.
Public comments are being accepted as a first step toward a potential rule change.
Submit a public comment by February 9, 2026, urging the Department of Labor to maintain strong, neutral rules that protect voluntary belief and preserve the separation of church and state. BJC makes it possible to speak up in just a few minutes—and even offers a printable PDF to share with others.
Apply to Become a 2026 BJC Fellow
Applications are now open for the 2026 BJC Fellows Program, an immersive experience for young professionals committed to defending religious freedom for all. Fellows from diverse faith traditions and backgrounds come together for deep learning, honest conversation, and practical preparation for advocacy.
The 2026 program includes a summer seminar in Colonial Williamsburg and Richmond, Virginia, along with ongoing learning and engagement throughout the year.
Learn more and apply now if you or someone you know feels called to grow as a faithful advocate for religious liberty in a pluralistic democracy.
BJC in the News: Immigration and Religious Freedom
BJC Policy Counsel Rabbi David Segal was recently featured in Rolling Stone following shootings in Minnesota, speaking to the connection between immigration enforcement and religious freedom. He noted that clergy across traditions are stepping forward because this is a faith issue—one that threatens both places of worship and the practice of faith itself.
When ICE conducts enforcement on church grounds or near places of worship, it stops people from gathering and being in community.
Read the full article to learn why protecting religious freedom for all remains as urgent as ever.
As Lutherans, we affirm that God’s grace is not coerced and that faith must be free. This month’s Faith Freedom Dispatchoffers concrete ways to live out that conviction—through advocacy, public witness, and forming leaders for the work ahead. We encourage you to read the newsletter in full and take the actions that resonate with your calling.
