Explore highlights from BJC’s November Faith Freedom Dispatch, including the 2025 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, new clergy organizing efforts to confront Christian nationalism, and Season 7 of the Respecting Religion podcast. Additional updates include a new BJC merch shop, national news coverage of religious liberty, and upcoming Supreme Court advocacy. Read the full newsletter here.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.
Read MoreKing of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.
Read MoreFaith leaders are invited to join BJC’s Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. CT (online via Zoom). This first session, Confronting Christian Nationalism — Faith-Rooted Organizing for Clergy, offers a space for connection, learning, and courage as clergy work to guide their congregations toward faithful public witness and resist the rise of Christian nationalism. Register today to join this important conversation.
Read MoreThis week’s BJC newsletter highlights advocacy against Texas’s new Bible-infused school curriculum, previews the October 21–23 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, and covers an upcoming Supreme Court case on religious freedom in prisons. Readers will also meet Rabbi David Segal, BJC’s new Policy Counsel, and find the latest Report from the Capital addressing how threats to religious freedom are becoming reality. Read the full issue for details and ways to engage.
Read MoreThis week’s BJC newsletter highlights advocacy against Texas’s new Bible-infused school curriculum, previews the October 21–23 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, and covers an upcoming Supreme Court case on religious freedom in prisons. Readers will also meet Rabbi David Segal, BJC’s new Policy Counsel, and find the latest Report from the Capital addressing how threats to religious freedom are becoming reality. Read the full issue for details and ways to engage.
Read MoreBJC shares a major court victory blocking a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public classrooms, warns against new IRS guidance weakening the Johnson Amendment, and opens applications for a new Director of Development. Save the date for the Shurden Lectures this October and explore more updates in BJC’s Faith Freedom Dispatch. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreFour Lutheran clergy in Tucson have sparked an ecumenical movement, responding to harmful policies and the rise of Christian nationalism. Their statement, For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm, has now been signed by over 100 clergy and shared widely across congregations. The group is also hosting “Pray Without Ceasing” services every other Monday, modeled after Leipzig’s 1989 Prayers for Peace. Their witness reminds us of the church’s prophetic call to resist harm and lift up justice. Click here to read the full story and statement.
Read MoreIn BJC’s August Faith Freedom Dispatch, meet the 2025 BJC Fellows, learn how North Texans are organizing against Christian nationalism, and read why the Johnson Amendment still matters for churches. Plus, celebrate a $50,000 grant awarded to the BJC Center for Faith, Justice, and Reconciliation. Read the full BJC newsletter here.
Read MoreIn response to a tragic act of political violence in Minnesota, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Minnesota (LA-MN) offers tools and hope to address the root causes of division. From the Graceful Conversations workshop to emerging resources on media literacy and Christian nationalism, this spotlight highlights how faithful advocacy, grounded in Lutheran theology, can help rebuild community and resist extremism. Click here to read the full article from ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreThis month’s Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC offers urgent updates on a national school voucher proposal buried in the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” major Supreme Court rulings on religious liberty, and grassroots faith responses in Texas. Learn how pastors are organizing against ICE activity at schools, courts are defending student rights, and advocates are standing up against Christian nationalism. Read the full newsletter.
Read MoreThis month’s Faith and Freedom Dispatch highlights local efforts to counter Christian nationalism, BJC’s legal advocacy at the Supreme Court, and practical tools for public engagement from the Respecting Religion podcast. See how people of faith are changing the narrative and learn how you can get involved. Read more.
Read MoreIn a special episode of the Respecting Religion podcast, faith leaders speak out on the urgent and unfolding case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported from Maryland to El Salvador. The conversation, featuring Melissa Rogers, highlights profound concerns about due process, justice, and the rule of law—issues that deeply affect all who call this country home. Click here to listen and learn more about this critical moment for people of faith.
Read MoreReligious freedom is under threat. House Resolution 59 seeks to condemn a sermon given by Bishop Mariann Budde, setting a dangerous precedent for government interference in matters of faith. As Lutherans, we believe the church must remain free to speak truth to power. Take action today by urging your representative to oppose H.R. 59 and defend the right to preach without political retribution.
Read MoreChristian nationalism threatens both the gospel and democracy, distorting faith and undermining religious liberty for all. The Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, led by BJC, is mobilizing local action to resist harmful policies nationwide. Join the movement to protect democracy and uphold true religious freedom in your community.
Read MoreHow does secularization shape democracy and civil liberties in America? Join the 20th Annual Shurden Lectures with Dr. John Compton on November 13-14, either online or at Mercer University, as he explores the impact of diminished religious authority on democratic values and political extremism. Three thought-provoking lectures over two days provide a deep dive into these pressing questions. Register now to watch live or attend in person.
Read MoreStand Against Christian Nationalism: Register for the Forgotten Luther IV Conference on October 25-26, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. This event will feature key Lutheran leaders and thinkers addressing the threats to democracy. Register now at www.fliv.us. View a PDF ad and poster as well.
Read MoreHow to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.
Read MoreStand Against Christian Nationalism: Register for the Forgotten Luther IV Conference on October 25-26, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. This event will feature key Lutheran leaders and thinkers addressing the threats to democracy. Register now at www.fliv.us. View a PDF ad and poster as well.
Read MoreJoin us on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 5 p.m. PDT/MST (6 p.m. MDT) for a screening of Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote, followed by a panel discussion on combating Christian nationalism and voter suppression. This online event, hosted by the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation, will offer insights and action steps to protect democracy and voter rights. Register today and help spread the word!
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