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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Faith and Freedom: The Urgent Case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia

In 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.

Religious Liberty at Risk: Protecting the Right to Preach Without Political Retribution

Religious 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.

Join the Movement to Dismantle Christian Nationalism in Your Community

Christian 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.

Preorder the book "How to End Christian Nationalism" for 10/22 release date

How 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.

Christian Voices for Justice: Screening & Discussion on Voter Rights

Join 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!

Safeguarding Religious Liberty: A Voter’s Guide for Challenging Times

As we face the 2024 elections, threats to religious freedom are more prevalent than ever. In the latest Christians Against Christian Nationalism newsletter, their Report from the Capital sheds light on the misuse of the Bible in politics and the dangers of Christian nationalism. Learn how you can prepare to vote, protect your freedoms, and engage in efforts to safeguard religious liberty.

Preorder the book "How to End Christian Nationalism"

How 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.

New Toolkit Available for Hosting Anti-Christian Nationalism Meetings

Christians Against Christian Nationalism is calling our community to action against the rise of Christian nationalism. Utilize their new toolkit to host a community meeting, engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop strategies to combat this divisive ideology. Download the toolkit, organize a local meeting, and join them in protecting the core values of our faith and democracy. Visit their website for full details and support materials.

Bishop Eaton: Christian Nationalism and who is a real American

There is a movement in this country that seeks to define “real Americans” as white, Christian and native born. That is not only untrue but unpatriotic. In her video addressing Christian Nationalism, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “what binds us together is not ethnicity, but shared participation in our civic life springing out of our cultural heritages and working for the common good.” Download this message here, learn more about the Lutheran perspective on Christian Nationalism in this resource from ELCA Advocacy, and take action and join the movement here.

Christians Against Christian Nationalism: Does the Bible need endorsing?

On the most recent episode of Respecting Religion, the podcast from BJC (the parent organization of Christians Against Christian Nationalism), co-hosts Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman explain why the Bible doesn’t need anyone’s endorsement. You can listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or on BJC's website.

Podcast Series: Christians Against Christian Nationalism

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) shares a podcast series from the Christians Against Christian Nationalism movement. The original 10 podcasts can be found here (from 2019), which feature interviews with theologians, historians, authors and activists, including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Walter Brueggemann, Sen. John Marty (D), MN, author Steven Green, and many others.

The BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation produces the podcasts. Visit their site to view resources, which include the podcasts as well as webinars, study materials, books, and a sign-on statement. Read the original LAMA article here.

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