Podcasts about baptist joint committee

Send us a textOn today's episode, I am joined by Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, to discuss her new book, "How to End Christian Nationalism," where she covers the eight steps you can take to help fight against the influence of Christian Supremacy in U.S politics.  InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsAmanda Tyler's BookHow to End Christian Nationalism: Tyler, Amanda: 9781506498287: Amazon.com: BooksAmanda Tyler Social MediaAmanda Tyler (@AmandaTylerBJC) / XAmanda Tyler (@amandatylerbjc.bsky.social) — BlueskyAmanda Tyler (@amandatylerbjc) • Threads, Say moreBaptist Joint Committee Website / Petition Home - BJCStatement from Christians Against Christian Nationalism — Christians Against Christian NationalismRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Emergence of Christian Extremism & The Future of the Republican Party w/ Elizabeth NeumannLeaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith w/ April AjoyThe Contributing Factors Behind January 6 and the Unite the Right Rally w/ Timothy HeaphyThe Evolution of Far-Right Terrorism in the 21st Century w/ Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comChristian nationalism has surged to new heights in American politics, raising urgent concerns about democracy, religious freedom, and the separation of church and state. In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) and lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign.We discuss her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, its reception, and why she sees this moment as a crucial turning point. Amanda breaks down the myths surrounding religious persecution in the U.S., the Supreme Court's role in shaping religious liberty, and the dangers of government-endorsed Christianity. She also offers actionable steps for listeners who want to push back against the rise of Christian nationalism and defend religious pluralism in America.Guest Bio:Amanda Tyler is an attorney and the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), a leading voice on the intersection of faith, policy, and democracy. She is the co-host of the Respecting Religion podcast and the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, a nationwide campaign addressing the threats posed by Christian nationalist ideology. Her latest book, How to End Christian Nationalism, serves as a practical guide for those seeking to resist the movement's influence on American politics.Resources & Links:

In this episode of Good God, George Mason sits down with Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and lead organizer for Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Amanda shares insights from her new book, How to End Christian Nationalism, exploring the steps needed to dismantle this dangerous ideology while promoting religious freedom for all. From defining Christian nationalism to addressing its impact on public schools and political power, Amanda calls us to engage deeply in protecting democracy and fostering pluralism.Amanda Tyler is a lawyer, religious liberty advocate, and leader in the fight against Christian nationalism, working to ensure the separation of church and state and to promote justice for all.

Subscribe for $5.99 a month to get bonus content most Mondays, bonus episodes every month, ad-free listening, access to the entire 700-episode archive, Discord access, and more: https://axismundi.supercast.com/ Brad speaks with Amanda Tyler, head of the Baptist Joint Committee and organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism. They discuss Amanda's new book, 'How to End Christian Nationalism,' and explore effective strategies for fighting Christian nationalism, focusing on local involvement and long-term commitment. Amanda shares her journey, the importance of separating church and state, and the damaging impacts of Christian nationalism on democracy and faith. The conversation also covers how to advocate for religious freedom and the critical role of public schools. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/StraightWhiteJC Order Brad's book: https://bookshop.org/a/95982/9781506482163 Check out BetterHelp and use my code SWA for a great deal: www.betterhelp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam discusses what to make of Biden's warm welcome of Trump back to the White House and pledge to "accommodate him," legislation that gives you a preview of how Trump & Co see their strategy kicking off, Trump's cabinet of horrors, and more recent developments.  Then, Amanda Tyler (@AmandaTylerBJC) is the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Amanda is the lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism and she is the author of How to End Christian Nationalism. Mentioned in the episode: Why Democrats are aiding and facilitating fascism, what this shows about this system, and what decent people need to be doing by Bob Avakian House GOP Moves to Ram Through Bill That Gives Trump Unilateral Power to Kill Nonprofits by Noah Hurowitz What are recess appointments and how could Trump use them to fill his Cabinet? by Stephen Groves Meet Pete Hegseth, the Man Who Will Lead the Entire US Military — A Man Deemed an ‘Extremist' by the US Military by Jeff Sharlet How to Hear a Fascist by Rick Perlstein What White Christians Have Wrought by Robert P. Jones Resources to spread the message, "In The Name of Humanity, We Refuse To Accept a Fascist America": ⁠⁠Sticker Pack⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Printable Poster in color ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Printable Poster in black and white⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Refuse Fascism Shop ⁠⁠ Refuse Fascism T-Shirts:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Original⁠⁠ ⁠⁠New (with slogan above)⁠⁠ Find out more about Refuse Fascism and get involved at RefuseFascism.org. Find us on all the socials: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@RefuseFascism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Plus, Sam is on TikTok, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@samgoldmanrf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/RefuseFascism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Amanda Tyler of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about her forthcoming book How to End Christian Nationalism. She also discusses the Christians Against Christian Nationalism effort, issues involving public education, and different ways to engage in the public square. She previously appeared on episode 7 and episode 102. Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics. And order a copy of Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism by Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood. If you buy it directly from Chalice Press, they are offering 33% off the cover price when you use the promo code "BApodcast."

The New Abnormal hosts flame Melania Trump over her defense of abortion. Plus! ProPublica investigative reporter Ava Kofman and Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC) in Washington, D.C., take listeners on an in-depth look at the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States and its effect on the right-wing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the BJC, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, leading the organization as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty: defending the free exercise of religion and protecting against its establishment by government. We are excited to talk about Amanda's work with Christians Against Christian Nationalism and the proposed curriculum for Texas public schools. Find more about the BJC and Christians Against Christian Nationalism here: bjconline.org christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org Listen to Respecting Religion presented by the BJC: hbjconline.org/respectingreligion Read Amanda's book How to End Christian Nationalism here: www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506498287/How-to-End-Christian-Nationalism

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 700 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Andrew is the author of two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American (2019) and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom He's also co-editor of an academic text, Law and Religion: Cases and Materials (Foundation Press, 2022) 5th Edition, with Prof. Leslie Griffin of UNLV law school. While writing the epilogue for The Founding Myth, Andrew conceived of and organized the groundbreaking “Christian Nationalism at the January 6, 2021, Insurrection” report which was published by the Baptist Joint Committee and FFRF. He contributed two section, briefed members of Congress on the report, which led to a fiery speech on the House floor, and was asked to submit testimony to the January 6th Committee, which he did in March 2022. A Senior Correspondent at Religion Dispatches, Andrew's written many opeds and several scholarly articles, and has debated the existence of God, the tax-exempt worthiness of politicking churches, and whether America was founded as a Christian nation. Andrew graduated cum laude from Tulane University ('04) with a B.S. in neuroscience and environmental science and magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School ('09, part of the first post-Katrina class), where he was awarded the Haber J. McCarthy Award for excellence in environmental law. He studied human rights and international law at the University of Amsterdam and traveled the world on Semester at Sea. Andrew completed his Master of Laws at Denver University Sturm College of Law ('11) with a perfect GPA and was awarded the Outstanding L.L.M. Award for his work as the Erik Bluemel International Environmental Law Fellow.  Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art 

Alison, Liz, and Rebecca welcome guest Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee and lead organizer of BJC's Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. They discuss the urgent threat that Christian nationalist ideology poses to American democracy, how nonreligious and religious Americans alike can fight back, and Amanda explains the strong historical tradition of supporting state/church separation in the Baptist movement.   Show Notes Amanda Tyler's Bio How to End Christian Nationalism by Amanda Tyler Baptist Joint Committee  Respecting Religion Podcast Roger Williams Symposium: Is This a Christian Nation? BCJ and FFRF's joint report “Christian Nationalism and the January 6, 2021 Insurrection”  Christians Against Christian Nationalism Previous episode that talks about the Texas chaplain bill BJC's "say 'no' to chaplains in public schools" FFRF's 2023 Convention Panel on Christian Nationalism    Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and X. Our website, we-dissent.org, has more information as well as episode transcripts.

How do Christians fight against Christian Nationalism? Amanda Tyler the Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty joins Supreme Myths to discuss how she is fighting this growing and disturbing movement.

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 700 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Andrew is the author of two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American (2019) and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom (forthcoming in September). He's also co-editor of an academic text, Law and Religion: Cases and Materials (Foundation Press, 2022) 5th Edition, with Prof. Leslie Griffin of UNLV law school. While writing the epilogue for The Founding Myth, Andrew conceived of and organized the groundbreaking “Christian Nationalism at the January 6, 2021, Insurrection” report which was published by the Baptist Joint Committee and FFRF. He contributed two section, briefed members of Congress on the report, which led to a fiery speech on the House floor, and was asked to submit testimony to the January 6th Committee, which he did in March 2022. A Senior Correspondent at Religion Dispatches, Andrew's written many opeds and several scholarly articles, and has debated the existence of God, the tax-exempt worthiness of politicking churches, and whether America was founded as a Christian nation. Andrew graduated cum laude from Tulane University ('04) with a B.S. in neuroscience and environmental science and magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School ('09, part of the first post-Katrina class), where he was awarded the Haber J. McCarthy Award for excellence in environmental law. He studied human rights and international law at the University of Amsterdam and traveled the world on Semester at Sea. Andrew completed his Master of Laws at Denver University Sturm College of Law ('11) with a perfect GPA and was awarded the Outstanding L.L.M. Award for his work as the Erik Bluemel International Environmental Law Fellow.  Pete on YouTube Check out all things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page

Today's show refers to this writing:    Religion News Service ran a story last week on the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, and their efforts to pass laws that (they claim) are based on Christianity.   Specifically (from their website), they are about “abolishing abortion,” “restoring marriage between one man and one woman,” and (an often forgotten part of the Sermon on the Mount), “promoting universal school choice.”   The story attributes the following criticism of the NACL to Holly Hollman, general counsel of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty: that making laws “shaped by a legislator's view of Christian values can be harmful for both the government and people of faith because it erodes the separation of church and state.”   There's a lot to unpack here, with implications for everyone—Christian or not, religious or not—who cares about the future of American democracy.   The key phrase in Hollman's criticism is “the separation of church and state.” What does this phrase mean today? In what ways has it become a reflexive and feckless fallback position for well-intentioned religious people who are politically liberal? And in what circumstances is it indispensable?   So permit me, then, as a thought experiment, to defend the National Association of Christian Lawmakers—not for their specific causes, nor for their method. No. Let me defend the NACL for what they are trying to do, understood in the most generous way possible: they are trying to bring a moral vision into our shared common life, and reconnect that vision to the practice of making laws.   That's a good thing. A healthy society needs to ask questions about, and have respectful debates about, the good towards which policies and practices are aimed. And a healthy politics is connected to a vision of the common good, or else you get what you have now—a politics of getting and keeping power for personal gain, bought by powerful moneyed interests.   Here's where the imprecision of the phrase “separation of church and state” becomes problematic.    If Hollman is playing the “separation of church and state” card in order to trump any religious voice's articulation of values in public conversations, including conversations about public policy and the making of laws, then she (along with many secularists who believe religion should be just a private activity) are making 2 mistakes: the first is constitutional; the second is strategic.   Let me take the constitutional mistake first. The separation of church and state is a Jeffersonian phrase that refers to the First Amendment. The First Amendment prohibits the  establishment of a state religion, and prohibits the government from restricting individuals' free exercise of religion.   Neither of these prohibitions can be construed to mean that religious voices are disqualified from articulating values or visions of human flourishing that rise from religious commitments, or advocating for those values as matters of policy. There's nothing about articulation or advocacy per se, that establishes a state religion or prohibits an individual's free exercise of religion. A particular bill that NACL supports that gets signed into law may violate the First Amendment, but that's a separate question.    The second, strategic mistake Hollman makes in playing the “separation of church and state” card is not unique to her. In fact, it is common to most religious people who are politically left of center. It's a failure to engage with substantive moral and theological critiques of liberal democracy, including laws that rise from liberal democracy's commitment to equality and individual rights.    Failing to engage these moral and theological critiques is a strategic mistake because it (to use the language of battle) cedes the moral field to the critics. In short, where there needs to be an articulation of moral good in the public square by religious people who are politically left of center, those people retreat behind the wall of “separation  of church and state.” The needed moral and theological articulation is never made. Silence ensues, and the loud voices win.   Let me be more concrete. NACL wants to undo Obergefell. Instead of criticizing NACL's advocacy for reversing Obergefell as violating the separation of church and state, what religious people (and non-religious people, for that matter) ought to do, is articulate the moral and theological good that the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause (on which Obergefell was decided) guards.   Or again, abortion. Instead of criticizing NACL as violating the separation of church and state by seeking to abolish abortion, what religious people ought to do, is articulate how “choice” is a moral and theological good in this humanly complex issue.   The “separation of church and state” was never meant to disconnect moral philosophy and moral theology from public questions.   There are reasonable people, of good will, who have substantive critiques of liberal (understood as a political philosophy, not a political party) democracy, and (some of) its laws. The National Association of Christian Lawmakers may or may not be reasonable, or of good will. Either way, to refrain from engaging the moral and humanistic theological dimensions of our shared common life, in the name of the “separation of church and state,” leaves a void that such voices then fill.    And leaves the positive goods of liberal democracy unspoken.    Chris Owen   Chris is the Founder and Co-Associate Director of the S-1 Project, dedicated to the promotion of moral and humanistic theological reflection on our shared common life 

Amanda Tyler is the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C, she is also the lead organizer for Christians Against Christian Nationalism. Amanda also co-hosts the Respecting Religion series on the BJC Podcast, and she is an advisor to Faith in Action in developing a curriculum to confront white Christian nationalism. In this episode, we discuss her lifelong interest in the intersection of faith and public life. We explore what white Christian nationalism is and how her coalition, especially a dynamic array of women leaders, shapes this counter-movement. And  we talk about how multi-faith solidarity can be an antidote to white Christian Nationalism.

Christian nationalism is a term that comes up with increased frequency in U.S. politics. It's a label that tries to sanitize something very ugly: the goal of a society in which only white Christians of a particular ideology enjoy the full privilege of being an American. To unmask this movement, we turn to an ally from another Christian tradition: Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Their Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign seeks to educate all people in the United States, but especially Christians, on why Christian nationalism is incompatible with living out the gospel in our society.  Amanda testified before Congress in 2022 about the ways in which Christian nationalism proves cover for white supremacy. Also, find out what people say to Sr. Eilis all the time! Learn more about Amanda Tyler and Christians Against Christian Nationalism in the links below: More about Amanda Tyler https://bjconline.org/amanda-tyler/ Christians Against Christian Nationalism https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/ The Baptist Joint Committe on Religious Liberty's full report on Christian nationalism and the Jan. 6 insurrection https://bjconline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Christian_Nationalism_and_the_Jan6_Insurrection-2-9-22.pdf To learn more about Christian nationalism, register for NETWORK's Oct. 21 event, White Supremacy and American Christianity: A Consistent Ethic of Hate Threatens Our Democracy https://www.mobilize.us/network/event/580503/ Just Politics is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries. https://www.myclaret.org/ 

In this episode, Will Wright, the Political Host of Faithful Politics, assumes the role of sole moderator in the absence of his co-host, Josh Burtram. Mr. Wright is joined by an eminent guest, Andrew L. Seidel, who serves as the Vice President of Strategic Communications for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. The episode offers an in-depth examination of the First Amendment, elucidating its paramount importance in safeguarding the division between religious institutions and governmental bodies. Mr. Seidel, an accomplished attorney and published author, provides an extensive account of his decade-long experience in defending these critical constitutional principles.The dialogue extends beyond mere legalistic interpretation to explore the broader societal implications of the First Amendment. It raises pertinent questions concerning the influence of religious institutions in a democratic framework and scrutinizes the role of constitutional law in shaping the nation's political landscape. Mr. Seidel contributes nuanced perspectives that are both insightful and academically rigorous. Whether one is a legal scholar, a political analyst, or an individual intrigued by the complex relationship between faith and governance, this episode promises a comprehensive and thought-provoking discourse that merits attentive listening.Guest Bio:Andrew is the author of two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American (2019) and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom (forthcoming in September). He's also co-editor of an academic text, Law and Religion: Cases and Materials (Foundation Press, 2022) 5th Edition, with Prof. Leslie Griffin of UNLV law school.While writing the epilogue for The Founding Myth, Andrew conceived of and organized the groundbreaking “Christian Nationalism at the January 6, 2021, Insurrection” report which was published by the Baptist Joint Committee and FFRF. He contributed two section, briefed members of Congress on the report, which led to a fiery speech on the House floor, and was asked to submit testimony to the January 6th Committee, which he did in March 2022.A Senior Correspondent at Religion Dispatches, Andrew's written many opeds and several scholarly articles, and has debated the existence of God, the tax-exempt worthiness of politicking churches, and whether America was founded as a Christian nation.Support the showTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics

Andrew is the author of two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American (2019) and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom (forthcoming in September). He's also co-editor of an academic text, Law and Religion: Cases and Materials (Foundation Press, 2022) 5th Edition, with Prof. Leslie Griffin of UNLV law school. While writing the epilogue for The Founding Myth, Andrew conceived of and organized the groundbreaking “Christian Nationalism at the January 6, 2021, Insurrection” report which was published by the Baptist Joint Committee and FFRF. He contributed two section, briefed members of Congress on the report, which led to a fiery speech on the House floor, and was asked to submit testimony to the January 6th Committee, which he did in March 2022. A Senior Correspondent at Religion Dispatches, Andrew's written many opeds and several scholarly articles, and has debated the existence of God, the tax-exempt worthiness of politicking churches, and whether America was founded as a Christian nation. Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Andrew graduated cum laude from Tulane University ('04) with a B.S. in neuroscience and environmental science and magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School ('09, part of the first post-Katrina class), where he was awarded the Haber J. McCarthy Award for excellence in environmental law. He studied human rights and international law at the University of Amsterdam and traveled the world on Semester at Sea. Andrew completed his Master of Laws at Denver University Sturm College of Law ('11) with a perfect GPA and was awarded the Outstanding L.L.M. Award for his work as the Erik Bluemel International Environmental Law Fellow.     Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe

Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee, an organization committed to ensuring the religious freedom of ALL Americans shares her experience attending the far right Re-Awaken America tour.  A tour that travels the country to wake patriots up to danger of the deep state and the plot to overthrow America's Christian heritage.    Support Our Work   Theology Beer Camp Details Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Janna Louie preaches a message of hope about the abundant mercy and compassion God offers. This was recorded at Fuller's All-Seminary Chapel on May 24, 2023. Janna Louie is chief of staff at the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.  

Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about attending the ReAwaken America Tour and a Pastors for Trump meeting at Trump Doral in Miami, Florida. She also discusses the work of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, church-state legislation in Texas, and issues being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Note: Don't forget to subscribe to our award-winning e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics.

This week we wrap up Texas Impact's Texas Interfaith Advocacy Days week with a conversation with friend of the program Guthrie Graves-Fitzimmons, Communications Director for BJC, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Freedom. Guthrie joins us after his boss, Amanda Tyler, the Executive Director for the BJC joined us in person in Austin for Interfaith Advocacy Days to talk about Christian Nationalism and their work to mobilize people of faith, and specifically Christians to speak out against Christian Nationalism. Join their effort at www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org

In this episode, you'll hear a lecture from Amanda Tyler. (You can watch the lecture here.) Amanda Tyler is the Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC), a pan-Baptist organization that advocates for religious liberty for all Americans. In the lecture, originally delivered in 2018, Tyler defends the importance of religious liberty and warns against the rise of Christian nationalism. Resources on Christian Nationalism In February 2022, the BJC released a report exploring the connection between Christian nationalism and the January 6th Capitol Riot. The report can be read here. Christians Against Christian Nationalism, an organization that provides resources for countering the rise of Christian Nationalism. A reading list compiled by Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. A reading list compiled by the Englewood Review.

A political ideology is rising that distorts the Christian faith and America's constitutional democracy — and poses dangers to both. This episode features an live event sponsored by Georgetown's Center on Faith and Justice with: The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church; Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee; Dr. Samuel Perry, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Oklahoma. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bakari Sellers is joined by executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty to discuss the importance of the separation of church and state (4:42), the current state of white Christian nationalism (8:00), and breaking down the locations where the rise in nationalism is largest (17:07). Host: Bakari Sellers Guest: Amanda Tyler Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Executive Producer: Jarrod Loadholt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brad is joined by Congressperson Jared Huffman, who represents California's 2nd District. Rep. Huffman is the only member of the House who is not affiliated with a religious tradition. He started the Freethought Caucus in 2018 to highlight the concerns and needs of Americans who are humanists, freethinkers, agnostics, and otherwise invested in freethinking in politics and the public square. Perhaps most importantly for SWAJ in March 2022 Rep. Huffman held a hearing on White Christian nationalism that reviewed a report on J6 by the Freedom from Religion Foundation and the Baptist Joint Committee. He has called out Christian nationalism on the House floor and said that it is infecting our government. Join us at the SWAJ Live Event: https://www.bradonishi.com/nationalism/ We have in-person tickets at 50% off - use SWAJ50 (limited number available) We have virtual tickets at 50% off - use SWAJ50 (limited number available) Pre-Order Brad's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Preparing-War-Extremist-Christian-Nationalism/dp/1506482163 For access to the full Orange Wave series, click here: https://irreverent.supportingcast.fm/products/the-orange-wave-a-history-of-the-religious-right-since-1960 To Donate: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BradleyOnishi Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/straightwhiteamericanjesus SWAJ Apparel is here! https://straight-white-american-jesus.creator-spring.com/listing/not-today-uncle-ron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://swaj.supportingcast.fm

In this episode, we talk with Holly Hollman about do's and don'ts in election season. Holly is the general Council and associate executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee. Together we reflect on the implications of separation of church and state for churches and their leaders during election season.

In this episode, we talk with Holly Hollman about do's and don'ts in election season. Holly is the general Council and associate executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee. Together we reflect on the implications of separation of church and state for churches and their leaders during election season.

Sam Goldman interviews Andrew Seidel, a constitutional and civil rights attorney and the author of two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom. He's also co-editor of an academic text, Law and Religion: Cases and Materials 5th Edition, with Prof. Leslie Griffin of UNLV law school. Andrew is a Senior Correspondent at Religion Dispatches, a prolific author of opeds and scholarly articles. He organized and contributed to the groundbreaking report “Christian Nationalismat the January 6, 2021, Insurrection,” which was published by the Baptist Joint Committee and FFRF and which aroused congressional interest. He's appeared on Fox News to debate Bill O'Reilly, MSNBC, and hundreds of other media outlets. Andrew is the VP of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the largest organization fighting for that founding principle. Andrew has a BS in neuroscience and several law degrees, each with honors and awards. Before dedicating his life and law degree to keeping state and church separate, Andrew was a Grand Canyon tour guide and an accomplished nature photographer. He's on all social media platforms including TikTok: @andrewlseidel and Twitter: @AndrewLSeidel. You can get a signed copy of American Crusade by visiting bit.ly/signedac and The Founding Myth here: https://bit.ly/TFMyth; the unsigned version of American Crusade is available here: https://amzn.to/3OesBPs Refuse Fascism is more than a podcast! You can get involved at RefuseFascism.org. Send your comments to samanthagoldman@refusefascism.org or @SamBGoldman. Connect with the movement at RefuseFascism.org and support: · Venmo: @RefuseFascism · Cashapp: $RefuseFascism · paypal.me/refusefascism · donate.refusefascism.org Music for this episode: Penny the Snitch by Ikebe Shakedown --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/refuse-fascism/message

In this episode we talk with Amanda Tyler, the Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee about Christian Nationalism. We take a look at the various forms of Christian Nationalism and the threat it poses to religious liberty and even democracy itself. We hope you'll listen and consider signing the Christians Against Christian Nationalism Statement. […]

In this episode we talk with Amanda Tyler, the Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee about Christian Nationalism. We take a look at the various forms of Christian Nationalism and the threat it poses to religious liberty and even democracy itself. We hope you'll listen and consider signing the Christians Against Christian Nationalism Statement. […]

QUESTION PRESENTED Whether a public-school employee who says a brief, quiet prayer by himself while at school and visible to students is engaged in government speech that lacks any First Amendment protection; and  whether, assuming that such religious expression is private and protected by the free speech and free exercise clauses, the establishment clause nevertheless compels public schools to prohibit it. Date Proceedings and OrdersSep 14 2021 | Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due October 18, 2021)Sep 16 2021 | Blanket Consent filed by Petitioner, Joseph A. KennedySep 20 2021 | Motion to extend the time to file a response from October 18, 2021 to December 7, 2021, submitted to The Clerk.Sep 21 2021 | Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is extended to and including December 7, 2021.Sep 27 2021 | Blanket Consent filed by Respondent, Bremerton School DistrictOct 14 2021 | Brief amici curiae of Former Professional Football Players Steve Largent and Chad Hennings filed.Oct 15 2021 | Brief amici curiae of Current State Legislators filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amicus curiae of Coach Tommy Bowden filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amici curiae of Members of Congress filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amicus curiae of Chaplain Alliance For Religious Liberty filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amicus curiae of Galen Black filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amici curiae of The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, et al. filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amicus curiae of Pennsylvania Family Institute filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amici curiae of Twenty-Four States filed.Oct 18 2021 | Brief amici curiae of Advancing American Freedom, et al. filed.Dec 07 2021 | Brief of respondent Bremerton School District in opposition filed.Dec 21 2021 | Reply of petitioner Joseph A. Kennedy filed. (Distributed)Dec 22 2021 | DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 1/7/2022.Jan 10 2022 | DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 1/14/2022.Jan 14 2022 | Petition GRANTED.Jan 21 2022 | Blanket Consent filed by Petitioner, Joseph A. KennedyJan 21 2022 | Blanket Consent filed by Respondent, Bremerton School DistrictFeb 16 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Alabama Center for Law and Liberty filed.Feb 18 2022 | Suggestion of mootness filed by respondent Bremerton School District. (Distributed)Feb 22 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Liberty Justice Center filed.Feb 23 2022 | Brief of petitioner Joseph A. Kennedy filed.Feb 23 2022 | Joint appendix filed (statement of costs filed).Feb 23 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Foundation for Moral Law filed.Feb 24 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of American Constitutionals Rights Union filed.Feb 25 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Darrell Green filed.Feb 25 2022 | Response to Suggestion of mootness filed. (Distributed)Feb 28 2022 | Reply in Support of Suggestion of Mootness filed. (Distributed)Feb 28 2022 | Brief amici curiae of World Faith Foundation, et al. filed.Mar 01 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Thomas More Society filed.Mar 01 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Claremont Institute's Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence filed.Mar 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Mountain States Legal Foundation and Southeastern Legal Foundation filed.Mar 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Family Policy Alliance and State Family Policy Councils filed.Mar 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Current State Legislators filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Coach Tommy Bowden filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Chaplain Alliance For Religious Liberty filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of American Center for Law and Justice filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of The American Cornerstone Institute filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Galen Black filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Members of Congress filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Liberty Counsel filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Former Professional Football Players Steve Largent and Chad Hennings filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Former Attorneys General, Edwin Meese II, et al. filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Kirk Cousins, et al. filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Foundation for Individual Rights in Education filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of America First Legal Foundation filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty, et al. filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of The America First Policy Institute filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Americans for Prosperity Foundation filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of The American Legion filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of The Rutherford Institute filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Elisabeth P. DeVos and Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Christian Legal Society filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Advancing American Freedom, Young America's Foundation, and 42 Additional Organizations and Individuals filed (3/18/22 brief and PDF to be corrected and resubmitted.)Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Advancing American Freedom, Young America's Foundation, and 39 Additional Organizations and Individuals filed. (03/24/2022). (Distributed)Mar 02 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Twenty-Seven States filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Initiative filed.Mar 02 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Protect The First Foundation filed.Mar 15 2022 | ARGUMENT SET FOR Monday, April 25, 2022.Mar 16 2022 | Record requested from the U.S.C.A. 9th Circuit.Mar 17 2022 | The record from the U.S.C.A. 9th Circuit is electronic and located on Pacer.Mar 23 2022 | CIRCULATEDMar 25 2022 | Brief of respondent Bremerton School District filed. (Distributed)Mar 31 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc., et al. filed. (Distributed)Mar 31 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Bremerton Community Members - BHS Football Team Alumnus, Parents, Community Leaders, and Educators filed. (Distributed)Mar 31 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Church-State Scholars filed. (Distributed)Mar 31 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, et al. filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Jo Ann Magistro and Alan Brodman filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Washington State School Directors' Association filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Washington filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Forum on the Military Chaplaincy and Former Members of the Military and Military Chaplaincies filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Freedom From Religion Foundation, et al. filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of New York, et al. filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, et al. filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Former Professional Football Players Obafemi D. Ayanbadejo, Sr., et al. filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Religious and Denominational Organizations and Bremerton-Area Clergy filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of American Atheists, Inc. filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Washington State Charter Schools Association and California Charter Schools Association filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of California School Boards Association and its Education Legal Alliance filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of Psychology and Neuroscience Scholars filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amicus curiae of Robert D. Kamenshine filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of National Education Association, et al. filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Brief amici curiae of City, county, and local public employer organizations filed. (Distributed)Apr 01 2022 | Motion of City, County, and Local Public Employer Organizations for leave to participate in oral argument as amici curiae and for divided argument filed.Apr 14 2022 | Motion of City, County, and Local Public Employer Organizations for leave to participate in oral argument as amici curiae and for divided argument DENIED.Apr 15 2022 | Reply of petitioner Joseph A. Kennedy filed. (Distributed)Apr 25 2022 | Argued. For petitioner: Paul D. Clement, Washington, D. C. For respondent: Richard B. Katskee, Washington, D. C.★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In today's episode of Interactions, we discuss the ongoing court case of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District with Ira “Chip” Lupu and Holly Hollman. The case concerns a public high school football coach in Washington State who argues that he has the right to pray on the fifty-yard line of the field after each game—and that his high school players should be allowed to join in. Coach Kennedy argues that his “brief and quiet” prayer is private speech protected under the First Amendment and the Free Exercise clause. But his position as a football coach at a public school means that his prayer could actually be in violation of the wall of separation between church and state.  Ira, nationally recognized scholar in constitutional law, is professor of law emeritus at George Washington University and coauthor of https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eerdmans.com%2FProducts%2F7079%2Fsecular-government-religious-people.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Ceythen.aaron.anthony%40emory.edu%7C6bf41ae639a44ff41d2b08da26cc9f9f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C637864957535493840%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ENOeKj5BJwyvRsCbCeATAjRd2CZVGDXe32gLv%2FdQsaM%3D&reserved=0 (Secular Government, Religious People). Holly is a leading expert on religious liberty and general counsel at Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC). She is also cohost of the Respecting Religion podcast with BJC executive director Amanda Tyler and adjunct faculty at Georgetown University. Is Coach Kennedy's prayer public or private speech? Does it violate the establishment clause? And should teachers be allowed to pray with students in public schools? Find out in today's episode of Interactions. Legal scholars to speak in support of Coach Kennedy were invited to the discussion but declined to participate. Follow Ira on Twitter https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Ficlupu&data=05%7C01%7Ceythen.aaron.anthony%40emory.edu%7C6bf41ae639a44ff41d2b08da26cc9f9f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C637864957535493840%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=3lnXrXb71zD3CVnmxtzm78xhyGyVGeRg6BedeeWHJEQ%3D&reserved=0 (here), and click https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eerdmans.com%2FProducts%2F7079%2Fsecular-government-religious-people.aspx&data=05%7C01%7Ceythen.aaron.anthony%40emory.edu%7C6bf41ae639a44ff41d2b08da26cc9f9f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C637864957535493840%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ENOeKj5BJwyvRsCbCeATAjRd2CZVGDXe32gLv%2FdQsaM%3D&reserved=0 (here) to purchase his book. Subscribe to Holly's podcast, Respecting Religion, on https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F29IoVEN0fXxTdjhZgw9KMc%3Fsi%3Dd25c35376fca4a49&data=05%7C01%7Ceythen.aaron.anthony%40emory.edu%7C6bf41ae639a44ff41d2b08da26cc9f9f%7Ce004fb9cb0a4424fbcd0322606d5df38%7C0%7C0%7C637864957535493840%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Cc2OoQCKGPZuo9xZMQ3awr9B4YrZRcI4OObeJFKJxL4%3D&reserved=0 (Spotify). Her amicus briefing, written in tandem with Christopher C. Lund, Douglas Laycock, and several denominational groups and referenced in today's episode, can be...

Religious nationalism is on the rise worldwide. In the U.S., it has primarily taken the form of White Christian Nationalism: the affiliation of being White and Christian with belonging and mattering in this country. This program explored the nature of global nationalism and its specific manifestation in the U.S. First, we heard from Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer, who is an expert who has been studying this trend for over thirty years. His keynote remarks were followed by a panel of diverse faith leaders who shared their views on building interfaith solidarity to resist the White Supremacist Christian ideology threatening our nation. This program was a forum for people of faith to learn, become activated, and feel equipped to respond together effectively. Program Outline: Opening Remarks Rev. David Lindsey, Executive Director, Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFC) Keynote “The Capitol Insurrection and the Global Rise of Religious Nationalism” Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer, Founding Director of the Orfalea Center of Global and International Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara Panel Presentations Moderated by Rev. David Lindsey, IFC “The Interfaith Imperative” Rabbi Jack Moline – President, Interfaith Alliance “Doctrine of Discovery, Manifest Destiny and Christian Nationalism: Nothing New.” Charles Watson Jr. – Director of Education, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty “The Pro-Democracy Faith Movement” Maggie Siddiqi – Senior Director, Religion and Faith, Center for American Progress “Religious Liberty and the Shortfall of Advocacy” Simran Singh – Vice Chairman, IRF (International Religious Freedom) Secretariat

In this episode we find out that even Humanists have concerns about people we honor as Humanists of the Year and that is a good thing. Douglas then talks about the recent report released by the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and the Freedom From Religion Foundation about the connection of Christian nationalism to the January 6th Insurrection. Show Notes Subscribe to our free newsletter Check out our Merch 00:51 AHA Humanists of the Year Hindsight 19:08 Christian nationalism & the January 6th Insurrection --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/glasscityhumanist/message

Guests: Cynthia McDonald and Andrew Seidel. FFRF's Director of Strategic Response Andrew Seidel announces the new major report by FFRF and the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty called "Christian Nationalism and the January 6, 2021, Insurrection." Then activist and podcaster Cynthia McDonald tells us about her comprehensive article about the secular case for reparations: "Black economic justice from an atheist's view."

Christian Nationalism and the anniversary of January 6, 2021 Amanda Tyler, Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, the nation's oldest Baptist representative in our nation's capitol, discussing the ongoing threat to democracy and an authentic Christian witness posed by Christian Nationalism. Their Bible study curriculum on Christian Nationalism is available on their website, https://bjconline.org/

The Battle for Oak Flat Jennifer Hawks, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, discussing legislative efforts to protect sacred lands from destruction.

Meet Amanda Tyler – 2021 Abner V. McCall Religious Liberty Honoree Amanda is the executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty in Washington, D.C. She leads the organization as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty, defending the free exercise of religion, and protecting against its establishment by government. Learn more at baylorline.com/halloffame

In this episode we talk with Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee, which is headquartered on Capitol Hill and advocates for religious freedom for all (a mission that now includes confronting the challenge of Christian nationalism). Drawing on her experience as a trial lawyer and a leader in the not-for-profit sector, Amanda shares with us the ways we are called to walk a line between fidelity to the past and stewardship for the future. She also offers sage advice about vocational reflection and discernment, including the value of internships and the need to seek mentors throughout one's life. Our vocations unfold, she observes, as we focus on the next move and not the whole game on the chessboard of life.

A weekly podcast exploring stories at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. This week Mitch and Autumn talk about the first year of Good Faith Media.Later, Amanda Tyler joins the show. She is the executive director of BJC, leading the organization as it upholds the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty, defending the free exercise of religion and protecting against its establishment by government. Learn more about their work against Christian Nationalism at https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org.

These four sessions were recorded during a live, interactive webinar in April 2021 and explore a faithful response to the rise of Christian Nationalism in America.    Session 3 is hosted by Doug Pagitt, Christy Berghoef, and Rev. Dr. Stephany Spaulding and features Brian Zahnd and Amanda Tyler, leader of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism Campaign.    Amanda Tyler is Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Freedom where she spearheaded the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. Called a “powerful advocate” and “rising star in the sector” by The Nonprofit Times, she was named one of the nation's top 50 nonprofit leaders in 2018. Tyler was named “Baptist of the Year” by EthicsDaily.com in 2019 for her work leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. She also co-hosts the Respecting Religion series on the BJC Podcast, and she serves on the board of the Center for Faith, Justice, and Reconciliation.   Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church, a non-denominational Christian congregation in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brian and his wife, Peri, founded the church in 1981. Brian is also the author of several books, including, Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God, Water to Wine, A Farewell To Mars, Beauty Will Save the World, and Unconditional?: The Call of Jesus to Radical Forgiveness.   Christy Berghoef is an author, speaker and consultant seeking to elevate the truth and thoughtfulness of political dialogue. She speaks and leads civil discourse workshops for churches, schools, non-profits and businesses. She studied Political Science at Calvin University and attended Calvin Seminary. Her work has been at the intersection of faith and politics. She authored CRACKING THE POT: Releasing God from the Theologies that Bind Him.   Rev. Dr. Stephany Rose Spaulding is pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, associate professor of Women's and Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) and former U.S. Senate candidate for the state of Colorado. She holds a B.A. in English from Clark Atlanta University, as well as a M.A. in American Literature and a Ph. D. in American Studies both from Purdue University. She is the author of Recovering from Racism: A Guidebook to Beginning Conversations (2015) and Abolishing White Masculinity from Mark Twain to Hiphop: Crisis in Whiteness (2014).   @drstephanyrose     //      facebook.com/stephanyrose    Doug Pagitt is a pastor, author, activist and the Executive Director of Vote Common Good.  @pagitt   The Common Good Podcast is produced and edited by Daniel Deitrich. @danieldeitrich Our theme music is composed by Ben Grace. @bengracemusic   votecommongood.com votecommongood.com/podcast facebook.com/votecommongood twitter.com/votecommon

In this episode we are joined by General Counsel and Associate Executive Director Holly Hollman of BJC, in Washington D.C. BJC is formerly known as the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. BJC is a national ministry partner of Pine Street Church.This episode explores cultural and legal aspects of the Constitutional principle of the separation of church and state. We also address the meanings of religious liberty that impact our nation and houses of worship during COVID-19 as well as how our heritage of religious liberty can inform people of faith during this holiday season.Learn more about BJC and important work they're doing in the "heart of the dragon," Washington DC, by downloading their podcast, BJC Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts. In the meantime, Happy Holidays, to all our listeners!

Sponsors: Fuller Seminary & The Center for Congregational Health. Music by Nicolai Heidlas from HookSounds.com

How does Christian Nationalism impact almost every individual and congregation in America today? Is it a more valuable measurement of how someone will vote? Is there a direct tie to slavery and racism?We invite you to listen to Amanda Tyler, the Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (BJC),as she talks with Dr. Bill Leonard, Founding Dean, Faculty Emeritus, and Baptist Historian of Wake Divinity.This conversation will be moderated by Rev. Darrell Hamilton (class of ‘17), the Pastor for Formation and Outreach, First Baptist Church, Jamaica Plain, MA, and a former Wake Divinity Moyer's Scholar Intern at BJC.We'll also have questions from Rev. Courtney Stamey, class of ‘15 and pastor of Northside BC, Clinton, MS, Dr. Andrew Gardner, class of ‘15 and a BJC board member, Jada Williams, current JD/MD student of the class of ‘24, Rebecca Wiggs, attorney and Wake Divinity BOV member, and Rev. Darnysha Nard, class of ‘17.Note that the audio version is missing a few components from the video or transcript versions; however, all the conversation is included.Common Conversations are conversations on common topics between experts in our community and members of the Wake Divinity faculty and staff moderated by Wake Divinity alumnus, students, and supporters. CC is sponsored by the Baptist Commons. For our first Common Conversations series in the fall of 2020, we focus on three topics under the theme of “the weight of racism.”As architects of equity, hope, and healing, we feel there is a no more important place to begin than to talk about racism in America. The weight of this injustice is on us all.  As our beloved Deacon  Maya Angelou said, “It is impossible to struggle for civil rights, equal rights for blacks, without including whites. Because equal rights, fair play, justice, are all like the air: we all have it, or none of us has it.”In our series, we'll tackleThe Load of Christian Nationalism and Baptist History for our first episode released in October;Black Baptist Burdens | White Baptist Pressures for the second episode released in November; andThe Gravity of Trauma of These Enmeshed Communities for the third episode released in December.Don't worry; you don't need to be a Baptist to engage.We hope, however, you'll do more than watch. We hope you are inspired to start your own conversation after listening to ours. And that you, too, will continue the call for justice, compassion, and reconciliation.

Although I have interviewed Melissa Rogers on her book, Faith in American Public Life, this episode will be the first in an ongoing conversation with The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, now called BJC. The purpose of this series is to do two things. First it is to keep before you that there have always been certain Baptists who have, since their beginnings, argued for/advocated for/championed religious liberty for all people and the separation of church and state. These Baptists have done so because of their fundamental conviction that 'soul freedom' is a gift from God that enables everyone to have an active relationship with God. For these Baptists, for faith to a true faith, it must be embraced without any coercion of any kind. Since governments and religious bodies have often been the source of coerced faith, these Baptists have insisted that there must be a separation from government and institutional religious bodies. The reason I want to keep before you the awareness of 'these certain Baptists' is for two reasons. The first is that many who are Baptist and, of course, most non-Baptists are unaware of the history of Baptist's contribution to and  advocacy for religious liberty for all and the separation of church and state. The second is that there are a growing number of Baptists who are a part of what is being called Christian Nationalism that have sought and continue to seek to undermine religious liberty for all and the separation of church and state. The second reason for this series is to make you aware and educate you on specific challenges to religious liberty in government. The BJC is an excellent source for keeping you apprised of these challenges. In addition, the BJC seeks to challenge and thwart these aggression on religious liberty by actions in The Supreme Court and in Congress. You can find the BJC at:   bjconline.org An excellent video introducing the BJC can be found on their website and here. My guest is Amanda Tyler. Amanda is the Executive Director of the BJC. She is a member of the Texas and United States Supreme Court Bar. After graduating with a degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, Amanda worked for the BJC as an assistant to the general counsel. She left the BJC to earn her law degree from the University of Texas. Before returning to the BJC, Amanda has worked in private practice, as a law clerk for a U.S. district court judge in Dallas, and on the staff of U.S. Representative Lloyd Dogget, where she severed as his district director and counsel for the Ways and Means Committee. In addition to the resources provided by the BJC about the history of Baptists' contribution to religious liberty and the separation of church and state, numerous links can be found by Googling 'Baptists and Religious Liberty.' An excellent link is Middle Tennessee State University's The Free Speech Center: First Amendment News and Insights from MTSU. One of the resources of The Free Speech Center is The First Amendment Encyclopedia that has an article on Baptist contributions to the first amendment. That article is found here.    

On August 22 as we mark the second International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief Sabrina Dent, Richard T. Foltin, Kristen Lavery, and The Rev. William H. Lamar IV shared their insights on religious freedom. Freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) is the protection of the conscience and the free exercise of people’s understanding of the ultimate truth. It is not only a fundamental right but also an individual, institutional, private and public right as well. As enshrined in the First Amendment, the Articles 18,19, and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also protect the rights to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to peaceful assembly and association. However, not every region is always a stronghold of allowing people to live by their core values and beliefs. The rate of ill-treatment against religious institutions, people, objects, or events is increasing significantly. On August 22, 2019, UN General Assembly recognized this by adopting a resolution declaring “International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief”. Upholding these rights and responding to the alarming increase in persecutions of religious people and communities around the world, we believe within the scope of open, constructive, and respectful exchanges at various platforms across local, national, and international levels will be invaluable assets in confronting these ongoing acts of intolerance. To that end, Rumi Forum has invited distinguished speakers to address various dimensions of the topic. On August 20th, our moderator Sabrina Dent and speakers Richard T. Foltin, Kirsten Lavery, and Rev. William H. Lamar IV, will share their insights on highlight mechanisms to prevent unfair treatments towards individuals, communities, and minorities. Moderator: Sabrina Dent, Senior Faith Adviser, Americans United for Separation of Church and State Sabrina is a life-long advocate for human rights and social justice. Throughout her career, she has worked with vulnerable populations including women and children impacted by domestic violence and abuse, youth with mental health and behavioral challenges, and racial and religious minorities. However, she developed a passion as a religious freedom advocate in 2015 when she became a Fellow with the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Freedom. Before joining the AU team, Sabrina worked as director of recruitment and admissions at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. Prior to her time at the Religious Freedom Center, Sabrina served as program coordinator for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University (STVU). Sabrina is the past president of the Interfaith Community of Greater Richmond. Sabrina earned her master of divinity degree and doctor of ministry degree from STVU. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech. Speakers: Richard T. Foltin, Fellow, Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum Richard T. Foltin is a fellow at the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. He served in a number of positions at the American Jewish Committee, most recently as director of national and legislative affairs in the AJC’s Office of Government and International Affairs in Washington, D.C., from 2009 to 2018. Prior to coming to AJC, he was an associate with the litigation department of Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, a New York law firm. Mr. Foltin serves on the governing council of the American Bar Association’s Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice and as co-chair of the section’s Religious Freedom Committee; he previously served as chair and co-chair of the section’s First Amendment Rights Committee. Mr. Foltin is a member of the Committee on Religious Liberty, founded by the National Council of Churches and today convened by the Religious Freedom Center of the Freedom Forum. Mr. Foltin received his B.A. in Political Science from New York University and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. He is a member of the bars of New York State, Washington DC, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Kirsten Lavery, Supervisory Policy Analyst, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Kirsten Lavery is Supervisory Policy Analyst and Team Lead for International Law, Africa, and Latin America for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Prior to joining USCIRF, Ms. Lavery worked at the Public International Law & Policy Group and provided legal and policy assistance to civil society representatives in conflict and post-conflict states. Her work focused on transitional justice and human rights documentation, as well as legal and policy reforms to advance human rights protections. Ms. Lavery has also worked on a range of international legal issues at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the UN Office of Legal Affairs, the UN Office of Human Resources Management, and the International Narcotics Control Board. Ms. Lavery previously practiced law in the New York office of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, where she focused on international criminal investigations. Through her pro bono practice and prior clinic work, she has experience representing clients in immigration proceedings, including in asylum cases based on religious persecution. She holds a B.A. in Government and Spanish from Franklin & Marshall College and a J.D. with a specialization in International & Comparative Law from Tulane University Law School. Rev. William H. Lamar IV, Pastor, Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church The Rev. William H. Lamar IV is pastor of Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. He previously served Turner Memorial AME Church in Maryland and three churches in Florida: Monticello, Orlando and Jacksonville. He is a former managing director at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity. While he continues to advocate for his community of Washington, D.C., you can find Rev. Lamar fueling his faith by proudly supporting the Poor People’s Campaign, the Washington Interfaith Network or every Sunday at pulpit of AME Church. Lamar is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Duke Divinity School. He is the co-host of "Can These Bones," the Faith & Leadership podcast.

A weekly podcast exploring stories at the intersection of culture and faith through an inclusive Christian lens. This week Mitch and Autumn interview Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee, Amanda Tyler, and Executive Director of Baptist News Global, Mark Wingfield to discuss the joint effort of their organizations and Good Faith Media to form FaithFreedom2020.org.

A weekly podcast exploring stories at the intersection of culture and faith through an inclusive Christian lens. This week Mitch and Autumn interview Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee, Amanda Tyler, and Executive Director of Baptist News Global, Mark Wingfield to discuss the joint effort of their organizations and Good Faith Media to form FaithFreedom2020.org.

My guest for this episode is Dr. Melissa Rogers. Dr. Rogers was Associate General Counsel then General Counsel for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. Following this, she became Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships during the Obama administration and Special Assistant to President Obama. Questions about the place of religion in American public life are continuously being raised and debated. Confusion and misconceptions abound. A significant part of what divides us in the political and cultural situation in our nation at this time revolves around religious liberty and plurality. Dr. Rogers has provided an excellent resource to guide us on the confusing and complex issues relating to government and religion, religious liberty, and the separation of church and state in her recently published book, Faith in American Public Life (Baylor University Press, 2019). This book is the subject of my discussion with Dr. Rogers. My kind of Baptists have, since the time before the American Revolution, been advocates for and active in issues of religious liberty (I use the phrase, 'My kind of Baptists' because there are many different kinds of Baptists and not all support religious liberty, plurality, and the separation of church and state). The existence of the Baptist Joint Committee is a key example of that advocacy and activity. Even though Dr. Rogers is no longer with the BJC, this episode serves as the first in an ongoing series I will have with the BJC about religious liberty and the policies and laws constantly arising concerning it. Dr. Rogers is presently Visiting Professor at Wake Forest University and a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. The music for this episode is from a clip of a song called 'Father Let Your Kingdom Come' which is found on The Porter's Gate Worship Project Work Songs album and is used by permission by The Porter's Gate Worship Project. You can learn more about the album and the Worship Project at theportersgate.com.

On Wednesday, Aril 15, for the third Virtual Coffee Night speaker series, Melissa Rogers, a leading expert and scholar on religion in American public life, gave a fascinating talk on how the First Amendment encompasses common ground, and for sharing insights on controversies about religion in public life. Needless to say, coffee has had a significant place in our lives for ages. We often say “Let’s have a cup of coffee” to imply “Let’s have a conversation”. That being said, we believe that nothing beats a nice relaxed conversation and invite you both to relieve ourselves over a cup of coffee and to stimulate our minds with various light-hearted talks. Prominent speakers from a variety of backgrounds have been and will be part of this series and all together we will have enriched conversations. About the Speaker: Melissa Rogers is a nationally known expert on religion in American public life. Her areas of expertise include the United States Constitution’s religious liberty guarantees and the interplay of religion, law, policy, and politics. Rogers currently serves as Visiting Professor at Wake Forest University School of Divinity and as a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Rogers previously served as Special Assistant to President Barack Obama and Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (2013-2017), Chair of President Obama’s inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (2009-2010), Director of the Center for Religion and Public Affairs at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity (2003 – 2013), Executive Director of the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life (2000 – 2003), and Associate Counsel/General Counsel of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty (1994 – 2000). Rogers is author of Faith in American Public Life (2019) and co-author of Religious Freedom and the Supreme Court (2008). She has received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from both Wake Forest University and the John Leland Center for Theological Studies. Rogers holds a J.D. from University of Pennsylvania Law School and a B.A. from Baylor University. In 2017, President Barack Obama appointed Rogers to serve as a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. Baylor University awarded her its Pro Texana Medal of Service and the First Freedom Center gave Rogers its Virginia First Freedom Award. National Journal has recognized Rogers as one of the church-state experts “politicians will call on when they get serious about addressing an important public policy issue.”

Holly Hollman, general counsel and associate executive director for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, talks with Word&Way Editor & President Brian Kaylor about the work of the BJC and some important church-state issues. She discusses a current Supreme Court case, a recent presidential action on school prayer, and some past court cases where the BJC offered significant arguments for religious liberty. (This episode is sponsored in part by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.)

On today’s show, we talk with Amanda Tyler, the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty and founder of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, about the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism. Plus Bethel Music worship leader and songwriter Dante Bowe, joins us to talk about the stories behind some of his breakout songs.

Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, talks with Word&Way Editor & President Brian Kaylor during the BJC's Shurden Lectures on the campus of William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. She talks about several critical church-state issues that have sparked headlines in 2019, including "Bible literacy" legislation, religious liberty and the death penalty, the recent cross case before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the political campaign activity ban. (This episode is sponsored in part by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.)

In this episode, Word&Way Editor & President Brian Kaylor reports on a church-state debate about prayer in city council meetings. To do so, he talks with Harold Phillips, a Baptist leader who serves as a city council member in Liberty, Mo.; and Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. (This episode is sponsored in part by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.)

Two virtually back to back conflicting decisions by the Supreme Court on the right of prisoners to have a spiritual guide of their own choosing in their death chamber highlight a new frontier on the separation of church and state. In one case a black Muslim man was refused an imam in his final moments and the Supreme Court did not stop the execution. Domenique Ray was put to death on February 7th.  Less than two months later a white Buddhist in Texas is also refused a spiritual advisor in his execution chamber, and this time the Supreme Court halts the execution.   The Joint Baptist Committee for Religious Freedom is a faith-based lobbying and advocacy group based in Washington DC that seeks to preserve and defend the separation of church and state. To understand what these decisions mean, Executive Director Amanda Tyler spoke with Beliefs producer Jay Woodward via Skype.       Transcript: Amanda thank you for joining us on Beliefs. Thank you and welcome. Oh thanks so much for having me We asked you to come to Beliefs this week because you recently wrote an opinion article for Religion News Service about two Supreme Court decisions on religious freedom and the death penalty. Tell us about the first case, the execution of Domenique Ray.  Sure. So The issue there was Mr. Ray who had committed a heinous murder back in the 90s while he was in prison. He had converted to Islam and he had been working with a spiritual adviser with an imam who was provided through the Alabama Department of Corrections for several years. A few weeks before his scheduled execution date, the prison official came to talk to him about what was going to happen on the day of execution. And at that point he learned that the Alabama's policy was to have a Christian chaplain accompany him into the execution chamber and be with him at the moment of death. He objected to this practice. He said I don't want a Christian chaplain with me in that moment I do want to see mom who's been working with me I would like him in the chamber and at that point the state denied his request and when it came to the Supreme Court the majority justices said that Mr. Ray had waited too long to race these claims and Mr. Ray was was executed on February. So so that's Dominique Ray. He's scheduled to be executed on February 7th and 10 days prior to which he learns that his mom will not be allowed in the chamber with him at his moment of passing. So tell us about the second case Patrick Murphy. Yeah. So this case comes out of Texas. Patrick Murphy again committed a heinous crime. And while he was in prison, I believe, he also converted to Buddhism. And so Texas had a similar policy to Alabama that they would only allow state officials who were chaplains into the execution chamber and the only chaplains the at the state employed for this purpose were Christian or Muslim no Buddhists. So you know he requested to the state that his that he have his Buddhist advisor present with him in the execution chamber. Again the state denied that request. He did not file his claim his with the federal court in this case until two days before his scheduled execution. So this time the courts said that his execution could go forward. On the same sort of reasoning from the Ray case that he had just waited too long this time it works its way up to the Supreme Court and they come up with the opposite decision. They say no that the state of Texas cannot go forward with this execution until it allows a Buddhist spiritual adviser in the chamber with him. Well that doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense..!?   This is really shocking to a lot of court watchers. We felt like this court which has been very solicitous of free exercise claims very interested in protecting religious liberty in in other contexts that they would deny this prisoner. His imam was very shocking. And then less than two months later the Court issued, basically, the exact opposite opinion.  Yeah. So we had 10 days in the Ray case two days in the Murphy case so it can't be that that it wasn't an issue of timing. And so I think a lot of people then ask the question you know what. What's the difference between these two cases right? So that leaves us with only a couple possibilities for what that means, right?  One, that the court took on board some of the public outcry regarding this decision and it affected their thinking so much that they made a contrary decision. Or two, we have to acknowledge that Dominic Ray was a black Muslim whose execution was allowed to proceed, but Patrick Murphy is a white Buddhist and so in considering his situation, the court reversed itself inside of two months.  Yeah… I tend to think it is more the first. That the justices who changed their votes in these cases were really swayed by the public outcry and the advocacy both by their colleague Justice Kagan who wrote the dissenting in the Ray case which she called the court's ruling that the execution could go forward as profoundly wrong. But the fact that the court got it right to me on the second case is small solace for Mr. Ray of course who was killed without a spiritual adviser at his side. Now in addition to this being a fascinating moment for Supreme Court watchers, it also is important for understanding what is the state’s role in the spiritual lives of US citizens, specifically a conversation on the separation of church and state. Your organization, the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty advocates and lobbies in this space. Can you tell us about what you do? Sure. So at B.J.C. see we defend and extend religious freedom for all people. We do it from a uniquely faith based perspective from the Baptist faith tradition and in doing so we are the only denominational based organization that works solely on religious freedom and separation of church and state. We're located in Washington right across the street from the Supreme Court. We've been doing this work for more than 80 years and a lot of our work is done with the Supreme Court filing friend of the court briefs in nearly every church state case that comes before them as well as working in advocacy with Congress and doing education with groups around the country. A faith based perspective on religious freedoms cases is a unique perspective isn't it? There aren't many faith based organizations that so actively pursue the separation of church and state, and the rigorous enforcement of the Establishment Clause like you do. Is that correct? I think that's true I think because we see religious freedom as uniquely protected in this country by robust protection of both of our First Amendment protections that government will not establish religion that government will stay neutral in matters of religion and that that will lead to the greatest freedom possible for all faiths and for people of no faith at all that both of those are equally important and protecting religious freedom that that serves well both people who are in a majority religion status and those in a minority status including people who don't claim a faith tradition. So, as I understand it, that’s how we’ve been looking at these cases for the past 10 or 20 years, that we are exploring the distinctions between the freedom TO… exercise freely, and the freedom FROM interference with our practice. Are those things in tension? Are they harmonious? Is one becoming more prominent? Yeah. I think religious freedom requires both… that they're not mutually exclusive and that in order to have freedom to practice your religion you also have to have government not taking a side in that, and that view that government must remain neutral in matters of religion is not anti-religious. If we look back at the founding of the country and the drafting of the First Amendment it was people of faith including many Baptists who insisted on government neutrality in matters of religion as a way to protect their religious exercise. That's because when governments take sides they necessarily pick and choose and religion is best left in private hands and that the government's involvement will only dilute religious practice and could of course harm it for those who are being persecuted. So then what do the decisions in these two cases mean for your work at the Baptist Joint Committee and where are we as a country in this new turn in the conversation about how religious liberty should affect not just prisoners, but convicts on death row? Well one I think we're having a pretty robust conversation about what religious freedom means and what it means in a pluralistic society and it's been heartening to see groups that don't always agree on these issues coming together really in defense of allowing all faiths to have representation there in the death penalty chamber. I do think it's important to look at what Texas did after the court's decision and Murphy the decision from the court again which was unsigned just said that the state may not carry out Mr. Murphy's execution unless they permit his Buddhist spiritual advisor or another Buddhist referent of the state's choosing to accompany Murphy into the execution chamber during the execution. I was reading the entirety of the opinion there was that one statement. In Justice Cavanaugh's concurrence. Again this isn't the force of the whole court it's what he thought. He gave the state kind of he thought the state might have two options. They could either allow a Buddhist Reverend or they could say no Reverend at all. And it's that second option that the state has said. They said look you know if this is gonna be the law then we're just not going to have any spiritual advisers in the chamber. And I think that's the exact wrong direction we B.J.C. say when anyone's religious freedom is denied everyone is threatened and I think that's what we see here. You know here we saw Mr. Murphy is having his religious freedom denied when his request was refused. But the state's response isn't to accommodate that religion. It's to say well if we have to provide it to you then we just won't provide it for anyone. And that of course hurts not only Mr. Murphy but every other prisoner who might be executed now without a spiritual adviser at his side. That seems strangely petulant... As though you could say Justice Kavanaugh provided an absurd alternative by saying either provide for all faiths or no faiths. Do you suppose it was imagined that Texas would actually turn around and say well we'll choose no faith guide comfort for prisoners being put to death? I think we see courts having a strong deference to the state in matters Prison Control and particularly in matters of execution. And so I think the Justice cabinet suggestion there was a sign of deference because of course the state's arguments in both of these cases have been, this is all about prison security. Their argument isn't that that these other faiths don't deserve representation but they say well it would somehow impact the security of the execution process. And so I think to see Texas go in that direction they're really just hunkering down on that argument. I think many of us in the religious freedom world think that that's not right. So it will be interesting to see if we see future litigation of this case as it relates to Mr. Murphy and what impact that might have. And if the court will indeed say there is actually a first amendment or a statutory right under something called the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act that provides extra protection for prisoners that they actually have an affirmative right to have a spiritual adviser in the death chamber. That could be a question that we'll be seeing in the coming weeks or months the court address. Well that was my next question: What is the horizon for death penalty cases religious freedom cases what are we going to be talking about for the next three to five years. Well I do think that this kind of situation where we're finding policies that are both written and then executed in a way that show a preference for a majority religion… Christianity are going to be challenged in this way by minority religions and by people who ascribe to people who identify with minority religions. It'll be interesting to see if the states respond in a similar way that instead of accommodating minority religions will just take away the accommodation for all this Supreme Court has been very solicitous of free exercise rights, but those cases have been coming up recently mostly in the context of Christians raising those claims. When we start saying free exercise rights cases coming from minority rule elections in will be it'll be interesting to see if the court is consistent in its application of the law for them. But this particular controversy about religious freedom in the death chamber - it feels like we haven't heard the end of this because the justices are having conversations with each other in these opinions. And I think they might be reflective of conversations they're having inside and with each other at the court. And we'll see if we see future. Arguments or decisions. I do think this is an evolving area. It's. It's an interesting one and it's one that has gripped the attention of court watchers and in everyday Americans as well. Is there anything else that you think we’ll be talking about in religious freedoms coming up? What’s going to be next? Well the Supreme Court has another church state case pending right now. It's called American Legion vs. American Humanist Association. It's also known as the Bladensburg cross case  And this is the World War One Memorial Cross that sits at a traffic intersection, right? That’s right. And the question before the court is whether a 40 foot cross on government land constitutes an establishment of religion. The parties who are looking to keep this cross in place have made an argument that the cross is a secular symbol. and a secular symbol that it just stands for death in general and honoring war dead, and therefore it can stay on government land. And it's in the middle of a very busy intersection and the American Humanist Association challenged this crosses and establishment as the government taking sides and sponsoring a Christian symbol. And so the justices will have to decide the fate of this particular cross. But also. They're asking the question would you know future such memorials be allowed. So we'll see the decision on the court in this case probably this June.  And it will be the BJP has been involved in this case we filed a brief saying that yes this is an establishment of religion because the cross is a religious symbol and we were responding to arguments from the other side that the cross is just a secular symbol. We say the cross is a religious symbol in fact it is the preeminent symbol of Christianity and for the government to claim that it is merely a secular symbol is offensive to Christianity as it attempts to strip the cross of its religious meaning. Amanda Tyler thank you so much for joining us and beliefs. Thanks so much for having me.      

In this episode, Word&Way Editor & President Brian Kaylor reports on a U.S. Supreme Court case involving a debate about the religious meaning of a cross on government land. The episode includes clips from the Court's oral arguments in the case, as well as comments by Holly Hollman, general counsel for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. (This episode is sponsored in part by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.)

The term religious liberty has become increasingly popular in recent years, but in reality that is a term that this country was founded upon. Amanda Tyler leads the Baptist Joint Committee which is charged with protecting religious liberty for people of all faiths.

This special bonus episode features congressional testimony by Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. She testified on Oct. 2 in a hearing on "Threats to Religious Liberty Around the World," which was held by the U.S. Senate's Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution.  (Also noted in the episode, Word&Way Editor & President Brian Kaylor recently appeared as a guest on another program, "Freedom's Ring," to talk about some other religious liberty issues.)

China issues new regulations on religion, a suspect is arrested in the murder of a Bangladeshi blogger, the Supreme delays oral arguments in an important church state case, a Texas Republican attacks his opponent for being an atheist, and we cover the 2016 election in a special report. Those are the headlines for the week of Saturday October 29th 2016.Sources:China’s New Regulations on Religion:Matthew Bell, “China's atheist leaders issue some striking new rules on religion.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://weku.fm/post/chinas-atheist-le... Arrest of Islamic Militant in Blogger’s Murder:Tekendra Parmar, “Police Arrest ‘Islamic Militant’ for the Killing of Bangladeshi Atheist Blogger Nazimuddin Samad.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://time.com/4534504/bangladesh-at... Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley:Juliet Ellperin & Robert Barnes, “Is the Supreme Court counting on getting a ninth justice in January?” Accessed October 26, 2016. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/p... Don Byrd, “Report: Trinity Scheduling Delay Indicates the Supreme Court Awaits a 9th Justice.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://bjconline.org/trinity-scheduli... Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, “Trinity Lutheran Church v. Pauley : Government money should not fund churches.” Accessed October 26, 2016. http://bjconline.org/TrinityLutheran/ Republican Attack on Atheist Candidate for Texas State House:Michael Stone, “Texas Democrat Attacked For Being An Atheist.” Accessed October 27, 2016. http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progress...News Ticker:Steve Benen, “Alabama’s Roy Moore, suspended, doesn’t want to leave.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-sh... Hazel Torres, “Atheist-Led Canadian Church Dispenses With Bible, Replaces Lord's Prayer With Secular Invocation.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.christiantoday.com/article... Stephen Magagnini, “Atheists celebrate 15th annual Freethought Day in Sacramento.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/arti... Patrick Lang'at, “Atheists to petition House to remove 'God' from national anthem.” Accessed October 23, 2016. http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Atheists... Elizabeth Roberts, “Sweden opens first cemetery free of religious symbols.” Accessed October 25, 2016. http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/21/europe/...

Holly Holleman, General Counsel, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, discussing a newly announced FEMA policy to include houses of worship as potential grant recipients after last year’s disasters.

Dr. R. Mitch Randall is the Pastor of NorthHaven Church located in Norman, OK. In this episode, we discuss the heart of NorthHaven as a local church congregation, how Mitch’s personal testimony of hearing God speak has led him to this point in his walk with Christ, and we get his perspective on what it looks like to be an ecumenical body of Christ. Mitch holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Northeastern State University, a Master’s of Divinity with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He has served on many committees and boards for many Baptist and civic organizations. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs in Washington D.C. He is committed to upholding Baptist traditions while building ecumenical relationships with other Christians and other people of faith. To learn more about NorthHaven Church and Dr. Randall you can visit northhavenchurch.net

Newly sworn-in Justice Neil Gorsuch gets his first chance to make his mark on the Court at this week’s oral arguments for Trinity Lutheran v. Comer. The important case asks whether the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause compels the state of Missouri to provide public grant money directly to a church. Holly Hollman, general counsel for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, joins us to discuss BJC’s amicus brief in the case, which argues that religious institutions are actually freer if they are barred from accepting government funds. We also sit down with Jeffrey Toobin, whose piece in this week’s The New Yorker examines the enormous influence that the Federalist Society – and especially its executive vice president Leonard Leo – have on the American judiciary. Toobin argues that with the ascension of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, Leo can now be credited with the selection of one-third of the nation’s most powerful judges.  Transcripts of Amicus are available to Slate Plus members, several days after each episode posts. For a limited time, get 90 days of free access to Slate Plus in the new Slate iOS app. Download it today at slate.com/app. Please let us know what you think of Amicus. Join the discussion of this episode on Facebook. Our email is amicus@slate.com.  Podcast production by Tony Field. Our intern is Camille Mott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Newly sworn-in Justice Neil Gorsuch gets his first chance to make his mark on the Court at this week’s oral arguments for Trinity Lutheran v. Comer. The important case asks whether the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause compels the state of Missouri to provide public grant money directly to a church. Holly Hollman, general counsel for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, joins us to discuss BJC’s amicus brief in the case, which argues that religious institutions are actually freer if they are barred from accepting government funds. We also sit down with Jeffrey Toobin, whose piece in this week’s The New Yorker examines the enormous influence that the Federalist Society – and especially its executive vice president Leonard Leo – have on the American judiciary. Toobin argues that with the ascension of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, Leo can now be credited with the selection of one-third of the nation’s most powerful judges.  Transcripts of Amicus are available to Slate Plus members, several days after each episode posts. For a limited time, get 90 days of free access to Slate Plus in the new Slate iOS app. Download it today at slate.com/app. Please let us know what you think of Amicus. Join the discussion of this episode on Facebook. Our email is amicus@slate.com.  Podcast production by Tony Field. Our intern is Camille Mott. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler talks with her predecessor, Brent Walker, about her 20-year relationship with the Baptist Joint Committee. While she has fond memories of serving as an intern and legal assistant, Tyler is looking to the future. She is excited to work on church-state issues at the federal and state levels, […] The post Amanda Tyler and Brent Walker on the future of the BJC appeared first on BJC.

  Stan Hastey’s storied career includes 15 years in the BJC communications department and another 20 as executive director of the Alliance of Baptists. Hastey is also a student of Baptist history and wrote his doctoral dissertation on the Baptist Joint Committee. In this podcast, the most recent J.M. Dawson Religious Liberty Award recipient discusses […] The post Stan Hastey on BJC history, religious liberty and speaking up appeared first on BJC.

Rev. Brent Walker Executive Director, Baptist Joint Committee

This week for our Community Gathering for Worship, we welcomed J. Brent Walker to the pulpit. He currently serves as the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, and is both a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar and an ordained minister. The title for his sermon is: "Four Centuries of Fighting for Religious Liberty" and is drawn from Acts 4:18-20 & Galatians 5:1.

This week for our Community Gathering for Worship, we welcomed J. Brent Walker to the pulpit. He currently serves as the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, and is both a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar and an ordained minister. The title for his sermon is: "Four Centuries of Fighting for Religious Liberty" and is drawn from Acts 4:18-20 & Galatians 5:1.