Religious Freedom for All: August News and Resources from BJC
BJC’s August newsletter looks at the continuing work of protecting religious freedom for all, from developing a new generation of advocates to challenging a federal report that calls the separation of church and state a “myth.”
Under the theme “Every generation is the founding generation,” BJC reflects on how the American experiment depends not simply on principles established 250 years ago, but on people in every generation willing to defend and strengthen them.
The newsletter honors Holly Hollman, who concluded more than 25 years of service with BJC on Aug. 7. Hollman’s work included advocacy before the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress, public education, legal analysis and co-hosting BJC’s Respecting Religion podcast. Executive Director Amanda Tyler reflects on Hollman’s legacy and what comes next for BJC’s legal advocacy.
BJC also introduces its 2026 class of BJC Fellows—lawyers, educators, pastors and organizers who gathered in Colonial Williamsburg and Richmond to study the history and principles of religious freedom and prepare to carry that work into their communities.
Readers can also explore BJC’s new Founders Wall, which lifts up people—well-known and otherwise—who continue the work of building a country committed to religious freedom. BJC is inviting the public to nominate additional people for inclusion.
The newsletter also addresses a current church-state controversy. In June, a federal Religious Liberty Commission released a draft report describing the separation of church and state as a myth created by the courts. BJC submitted written comments challenging that interpretation and arguing that church-state separation is deeply rooted in the nation’s history and essential to religious freedom for all.
Lutherans have particular reason to value a public square in which government neither establishes religion nor interferes with its free exercise. Our tradition understands faith as something that cannot be compelled by governmental power. Protecting religious freedom therefore means protecting it not only for Christians, but for neighbors of every faith and those who claim no religious tradition.
Read BJC’s full August newsletter to meet the 2026 Fellows, explore the Founders Wall, reflect on Holly Hollman’s legacy and learn more about BJC’s response to current challenges to church-state separation.