Why Religious Freedom Matters Right Now: Highlights from the Latest BJC Update

The latest newsletter from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty offers a timely look at how people of faith are defending religious freedom, resisting Christian nationalism, and standing alongside vulnerable neighbors. If your congregation or ministry cares about faith in public life, advocacy, or protecting the dignity of all people, this edition is worth a read. Read the full BJC newsletter here: Faith Freedom Dispatch – May 2026

At the center of this month’s update is testimony by BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler before a Congressional hearing titled “Sharia-Free America: Why Political Islam and Sharia Law are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution.”Tyler explains why she chose to testify, emphasizing that religious freedom is not reserved for government-approved faiths, but is a constitutional protection for every person. For Lutherans committed to loving neighbors and protecting human dignity, her reflections offer important theological and civic questions for consideration.

The newsletter also highlights how local communities are organizing to protect religious freedom. In Texas, BJC partners trained advocates to testify before the State Board of Education, organized clergy engagement, and mobilized communities around issues of public policy and pluralism. Readers interested in faith-based advocacy may find helpful inspiration in these grassroots efforts.

Congregations serving children and youth may also want to explore the Neighborhood Love Quest, a new curriculum for ages 10–14 from the BJC Center for Faith, Justice and Reconciliation. Through games, storytelling, and activities rooted in the Golden Rule, young people learn how religious freedom connects to empathy, neighbor care, and standing with people who are excluded or mistreated. Congregations currently have an opportunity to pilot the curriculum before wider release.

Also included are updates on leadership development across BJC local groups and information about a June 19 luncheon in Jacksonville, Florida, focused on defending religious freedom and resisting Christian nationalism.

For congregations and leaders throughout the Grand Canyon Synod seeking thoughtful resources at the intersection of faith, democracy, and public life, there is much to explore in this month’s newsletter.

Read the full BJC newsletter here: Faith Freedom Dispatch – May 2026