Author Drew Strait Joins Spirited Book Club Conversation on Strange Worship

The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.

It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.

Protecting Sacred Spaces: February Faith Freedom Dispatch Calls for Action

The February 2026 Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC highlights urgent actions to protect religious freedom, including calling on Congress to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, submitting public comments to safeguard church–state separation by February 9, and applying for the 2026 BJC Fellows Program.

The issue also features BJC’s voice in Rolling Stone on immigration enforcement and religious liberty. Read the full newsletter to learn how people of faith can defend sacred spaces, uphold freedom of conscience, and take action now.

Author Drew Strait Joins Spirited Book Club Conversation on Strange Worship

The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.

It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.

A Call to Protect Sacred Space: Faith Leaders Urge Congress to Act on ICE Accountability

Faith leaders across the country are calling on Congress to act as immigration enforcement increasingly threatens places of worship and community safety. A new call to action urges lawmakers to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Actand to hold ICE accountable by withholding funding, citing escalating enforcement actions on church grounds and growing fear among immigrant and refugee communities.

Rooted in the conviction that religious freedom must be lived and defended—not just named—this appeal invites people of faith to contact their elected officials and take action now. Read the full call and learn how to respond faithfully and urgently.

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable

Immigrant and refugee communities are increasingly facing fear as immigration enforcement enters churches and other sacred spaces. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is calling on Congress to hold ICE accountable and pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to safeguard places of worship, schools, and healthcare facilities.

People of faith are urged to contact their members of Congress and take action now.

Faith Freedom Dispatch: Standing Against Christian Nationalism and for Religious Freedom for All

The January Faith Freedom Dispatch from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty highlights faith-rooted advocacy resisting Christian nationalism and defending religious freedom for all. Inside: organizing against state-mandated prayer in Texas schools, a January 20 info session for the BJC Fellows Program, powerful clergy witness at an ICE field office in North Texas, the new Winter issue of Report from the Capital, and an invitation to a January 29 faith-rooted clergy organizing call.

This issue offers both theological grounding and practical ways to engage. Read the full newsletter to learn more, access resources, and explore how people of faith are standing together for pluralism, democracy, and human dignity.

Clergy Invited: Faith-Rooted Organizing to Confront Christian Nationalism

Clergy are invited to a timely online gathering, Confronting Christian Nationalism: Faith-Rooted Organizing for Clergy, on Thursday, January 29, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MT / 9:30–11:00 a.m. PT via Zoom. Hosted by BJC, this Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint offers space for connection, shared learning, and concrete action as faith leaders navigate growing pressure in their communities.

The gathering will include honest conversation, practical breakout sessions, and tools to help clergy move from concern to faithful practice. Open to clergy only. Registration required.

Defending Faith Freedom: What’s New from BJC This December

Get the latest updates from BJC in their December Faith Freedom Dispatch, including the replay of last week’s Respecting Religion LIVE episode, open applications for the 2026 BJC Fellows Program, staff news, and Amanda Tyler’s op-ed on protecting congregations from partisan pressure. Read the full newsletter here.

Faith Freedom Dispatch: Confronting Christian Nationalism & Defending Religious Liberty

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.

Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory in Tempe

King 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.

Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory

King 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.

Faith Leaders Unite to Confront Christian Nationalism: Join the Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint

Faith 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.

Shurden Lectures Ask: Is Mercy Being Criminalized?

This 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.

Shurden Lectures Ask: Is Mercy Being Criminalized?

This 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.

Protecting Faith Freedom: Legal Updates, Events, and Opportunities from BJC

BJC 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.

Southern Arizona Clergy Unite Against Christian Nationalism

Four 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.

Why Churches Should Stay Out of Partisan Politics—And What’s at Risk

In 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.

Grace in the Face of Violence: Lutherans Respond to Political Division

In 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.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2025Church and Society, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Christian NationalismComment

Protecting Public Schools and Religious Liberty: July Updates from BJC

This 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.

Standing Up to Christian Nationalism: Stories of Local Action and National Impact

This 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.

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