Respecting Religion

What's at stake for faith freedom for all in our world today? Join the conversation on religion and the law, including the most significant cases concerning religion and religious liberty at the U.S. Supreme Court and the continuing impact of Christian nationalism. As lawyers and people of faith, BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler and General Counsel Holly Hollman think these topics deserve respectful conversation -- something that we don’t always hear in the public square or our social media feeds.

S7, Ep. 13: Supreme Court preview and farewell to Holly 08/07/2026

S7, Ep. 12: A disappointing religious freedom decision to end the SCOTUS term 07/02/2026

S7, Ep. 12: A disappointing religious freedom decision to end the SCOTUS term What remedies does a person have if their religious freedom rights are violated in a state prison? In our season 7 finale, Amanda and Holly go in-depth on the disappointing Supreme Court decision in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections – the justices make new law that impacts religious freedom rights and potentially congressional power more broadly. Amanda and Holly also look at ways people are protecting rights in Texas, as the fight continues against mandated Bible readings in public school. Plus, they share a quick rundown of the big Supreme Court decisions in the past two days as justices end this term…and get ready for the next. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): The Supreme Court’s final decisions of the term We discussed the Landor case on two previous episodes: What’s at stake: The oral arguments: To read BJC’s statement after the decision, to see our brief, and to access other resources, . Segment 2 (starting at 11:57): Unpacking the Landor decision and dissent For more reading about Landor: Steve Vladek’s piece on One First: Liz Reiner Platt’s piece in Religion News Service: Segment 3 (starting at 30:37): Taking action – in Texas and beyond Want to get updates on our work, as well as on the show? . You can let us know at the bottom if you are interested in particular topics. If you’re in North Texas, consider joining our coalition in that area. Learn more about our work combating the problematic reading list in Texas . Read more in this piece by Sarah Mervosh for The New York Times: Interested in one of our 90th anniversary T-shirts? Become a monthly donor to BJC’s work! . When you sign up, let us know if you’re a podcast listener! You also can to keep these conversations ad-free. Video of our episodes are now on YouTube! . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/41935550

S7, Ep. 11: Immigration is a religious freedom issue 06/18/2026

S7, Ep. 10: Court update: Ten Commandments cases, Johnson Amendment dismissal, and SCOTUS actions 06/04/2026

S7, Ep. 09: Why is there an upswing in anti-Sharia laws? 05/21/2026

S7, Ep. 09: Why is there an upswing in anti-Sharia laws? The “Christian nation” rhetoric and spectacle we’re seeing is not just bad history – it’s having real ramifications for religious freedom for all in our country today. Amanda is back from sabbatical, and she and Holly discuss recent developments, including an increase in anti-Sharia legislation and fear-mongering that goes with it. They fact-check last week’s congressional hearing on the topic and share Amanda’s testimony. Plus, Amanda and Holly discuss the recent “Rededicate 250” event on the National Mall, which elevated common myths tied to Christian nationalism. People can gather to pray, and there have been public worship gatherings before – so, what made that event different? SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): Christian nationalism, myths, and “Rededicate 250” Holly is quoted in this article from Religion News Service by Bob Smietana: Amanda is quoted in this Washington Post article by Michelle Boorstein, Laura Meckler and Natalie Allison: Amanda is also quoted in this Wall Street Journal article by By Meridith McGraw and Terell Wright: Amanda mentioned this wrap-up of the event – which includes some fact-checking – from Religion News Service by Jack Jenkins, Aleja Hertzler-McCain, and Adelle Banks: You can read Amanda’s op-ed in Baptist News Global about the event: Segment 2 (starting at 14:45): The latest congressional hearing on anti-Sharia measures For more on the tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, here’s a story from the Associated Press by Julie Watson, Michael Biesecker, and John Seewer: BJC released a statement on the shooting, which. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government held a hearing on May 13, 2026, titled “Sharia-Free America:Why Political Islam & Sharia Law are Incompatible with the U.S. Constitution: Part II.” We played , as well as a portion of the opening statement of Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md. You can watch the entire hearing and learn more . You can . Do you want special emails about our show? Video of our episodes are on YouTube! . Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can keep these conversations ad-free . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/41379755

New episodes return May 21! 05/14/2026

Best of: Were we founded as a ‘Christian nation’? 04/30/2026

Best of: Were we founded as a ‘Christian nation’? What do people mean when they say we were founded as a “Christian nation”? Is that true? Revisit this 2019 conversation on the political and religious history behind that idea. BJC Executive Director Amanda Tyler talks with Dr. Steven Green, author of Inventing a Christian America: The Myth of the Religious Founding, about the political history of this concept, including how, when and why it originated. They also discuss misguided claims that the Ten Commandments are the basis of our legal system. On the second half of the episode, we hear from church historian Bill Leonard on what religious leaders said and did during the founding of the United States and how that relates to the freedoms we have today. This conversation was part of our podcast series on the dangers of Christian nationalism, first released on August 14, 2019. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 02:22): Steven Green on the political history of the idea This , as episode 3 in our 10-part BJC Podcast series on the dangers of Christian nationalism. is the Fred H. Paulus Professor of Law and Affiliated Professor of History and Religious Studies at Willamette University. His most recent book – released in 2022 – is . He is the author and co-author of several books, including ; ; and . Segment 2 (starting at 21:18): Bill Leonard on the religious history of the idea is the founding dean at the Wake Forest University School of Divinity, who now holds the title of “professor of divinity emeritus.” He has written some 25 books, and his research focuses on church history with particular attention to American religion, Baptist studies, and the Appalachian religion. During the episode, Amanda Tyler mentions an article he wrote for Baptist News Global: . To learn more about BJC’s work countering Christian nationalism, visit or . You can also to go with this podcast series. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/41070825

Best of: ‘How to End Christian Nationalism’ 04/16/2026

Best of: Inside the ReAwaken America tour 04/02/2026

Best of: Inside the ReAwaken America tour Christian nationalism was on full display at the ReAwaken America tour, which was a series of conferences that fused Christian language and symbols with conspiracy theories and election denials. Amanda went inside a Miami event in 2023, and she shared her experiences in this podcast – from assembly-line baptisms to the reaction of the crowd as speakers moved seamlessly from religious worship songs to calls for political violence. This episode originally aired May 18, 2023, and it is our most downloaded show of all time. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 01:18): The Christian nationalism of the ReAwaken America tour Amanda and Holly discussed the ReAwaken America tour in episode 5 of season 4: This conversation was originally . Amanda and Holly mention this article about the ReAwaken Tour in The New York Times by Michelle Goldberg: Amanda wrote a response to Michael Flynn’s call for “one religion” in 2021, published by Baptist News Global: Segment 2 (starting at 06:08): The Pastors for Trump event Amanda and Holly mentioned this article on the Pastors for Trump group by Peter Stone for The Guardian: During this segment, we played a clip of Pastor John Bennett speaking during the Pastors for Trump event in Miami. Segment 3 (starting at 16:14): ReAwaken America, baptisms, and our counter-witness Amanda and Holly mentioned Brian Kaylor’s reporting on the ReAwaken America tour. You can see and read his piece in the A Public Witness newsletter, which is part of the Word&Way network: For more about Baptism and different ways Christian denominations approach it, check out from 2001 by the PBS program Religion and Ethics Newsweekly. BJC and Faithful America created electronic billboards that were on trucks and a boat in Miami. See the video of the billboards on the @EndChristianNationalism Instagram account. Visit to explore the resources provided by the Christians Against Christian Nationalism movement. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/40715015

Best of: A decision that continues to create misguided claims: Kennedy v. Bremerton 03/19/2026

Best of: Rob Reiner and ‘God and Country’ director Dan Partland on Christian nationalism 03/05/2026

Best of: Rob Reiner and ‘God and Country’ director Dan Partland on Christian nationalism What is the cost of speaking out against Christian nationalism? In 2024, Rob Reiner came on the podcast to talk about a film he produced, called “God & Country.” In this episode from our archives, Amanda Tyler talks with Reiner and Dan Partland, the director of the film. “God & Country” discusses the dangers of Christian nationalism to the country, to the faith, and to pluralism. This program originally aired January 18, 2024 SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 02:22): Rob Reiner and Dan Partland on Christian nationalism Released in February 2024, “God & Country” is available to watch on several streaming platforms. You can learn more at . About the guests: Dan Partland, the director of the movie, is a veteran documentary producer and director for film and television. His work includes several landmark nonfiction features and series over the past three decades, and he’s a two-time Emmy winner for best nonfiction series. Rob Reiner was a producer of the film. He first came to fame as a two-time Emmy award winning actor in the landmark television series “All in the Family.” He went on to become an acclaimed director of some of the most popular and influential motion pictures in American film history, and he remained a dedicated political activist until his death in 2025. The exact phrase “separation of church and state” is not in the U.S. Constitution, but the concept is laid out several times, including Article VI’s prohibition on any religious test for office, the First Amendment’s prohibition of a government establishment of religion, and the First Amendment’s guarantee of the free exercise of religion. Read more in Brent Walker’s “.” Learn more about the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign – a project BJC began in 2019 – by visiting . Segment 2 (starting at 20:56): Post-screening Q&A with Partland and Reiner BJC and the Freedom From Religion Foundation released a comprehensive report on the role of Christian nationalism in the January 6 attack on the Capitol. You can . Dan Partland mentioned , a book by Katherine Stewart on the rise of religious nationalism. It serves as a basis for the movie. Segment 3 (starting at 40:39): Closing Michelle Boorstein covered the screening for The Washington Post in this article: Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/40327670

Best of: But … is it Christian nationalism? 02/19/2026

Best of: But … is it Christian nationalism? Is an American flag in a church sanctuary an example of Christian nationalism? What about faith-based advocacy? Helping voters get to the polls? Saying the Constitution is “divinely inspired”? In this conversation from 2024, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman answer some common questions they hear about Christian nationalism, and they talk about the questions we all should be asking ourselves when evaluating the political ideology. This program originally aired March 21, 2024 SHOW NOTES: Segment 1 (starting at 01:25): What does it mean to determine the level of Christian nationalism? This podcast episode won the from the Religion Communicators Council in 2025. It was first released as on March 21, 2024. Learn more about the Christians Against Christian Nationalism movement and how you can get involved at . Segment 2 (starting at 09:09): Answering some political questions about Christian nationalism Amanda mentioned this op-ed by David French in The New York Times: to access the report on Christian nationalism and the January 6 insurrection from BJC and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Amanda mentioned this article by Steven Monacelli for the Daily Dot: Hear Amanda and Holly’s reaction to President Trump’s 2020 appearance at St. John’s Church with a Bible in episode 15 of our first season: Segment 3 (starting at 29:56): Answering some church-related questions about Christian nationalism Read about the 2024 survey results from PRRI on the support for Christian nationalism that Amanda mentioned during the podcast. UPDATE for the re-release of this episdoe: PRRI’s most recent report on the topic was released in February 2025, which To learn more about Patriot Churches, read this 2020 article in The Washington Post by Sarah Pulliam Bailey: Segment 4 (starting at 39:40): History and civics questions about Christian nationalism Amanda and Holly spoke about some lawmakers sharing the idea that the Constitution is “divinely inspired” in episode 10 of season 4: . It was also re-released as a in January 2026. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/40163855

Best of: Dr. Walter Brueggemann on Christian nationalism 02/05/2026

Best of: The myth of American ‘chosenness’ with Dr. Catherine Brekus 01/22/2026

Best of: A report, a prayer vigil, and a somber anniversary: Remembering the January 6 attack 01/08/2026

Best of: A report, a prayer vigil, and a somber anniversary: Remembering the January 6 attack As Amanda’s sabbatical begins, we are revisiting previous episodes of the podcast. This week marked the 5th anniversary of the January 6 attack on the Capitol. In today’s episode of Respecting Religion, hear a conversation two years after the attack. Amanda and Holly share their reactions to the report released by the January 6 Select Committee at the end of 2022, including the lack of any mention of Christian nationalism and why that matters. They also discuss the importance of Christian leaders providing an alternative witness in 2023 to the Christian nationalism exhibited during the attack on the Capitol. And, they review how the insurrection still shapes our world and how it – surprisingly – doesn’t shape Capitol tours. This program originally aired on January 12, 2023, in season 4 of Respecting Religion. SHOW NOTES This episode was originally broadcast as in 2023. For another conversation about January 6 and Christian nationalism, check out from 2022. Segment 1 (starting at 01:06): The Select Committee Report Read the . We played a clip compiling three individuals’ statements during the January 6 hearings claiming the Constitution was divinely inspired: Greg Jacob, Rusty Bowers, and Rep. Liz Cheney. on Amanda’s Twitter (now X) account. The comprehensive BJC/Freedom From Religion Foundation . to read the letter organized by BJC and Christians from Christian Nationalism to the Select Committee, asking them to investigate how Christian nationalism motivated and intensified the attack. Watch Amanda’s testimony about Christian nationalism before a House subcommittee in December 2022 . Amanda and Holly discuss it in more detail in of season 10. Amanda and Holly mentioned this article by Vera Bergengruen for TIME Magazine: Additional media coverage on the absence of Christian nationalism from the final report: by Jack Jenkins for Religion News Service , featuring an interview with Amanda Tyler and MSNBC’s Alicia Menendez on the Alex Wagner Tonight program Segment 2 (starting at 21:01): Contrasting images on the 2nd anniversary of January 6 After this podcast was first released, BJC created a compilation of clips from the 2023 prayer vigil, which See BJC’s photos of the prayer vigil . There are also photos still online from and at the vigil. of the two events on January 6, 2023, on the @EndChristianNationalism TikTok. You can follow the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign on and at the handle @EndChristianNationalism. Segment 3 (starting at 29:29): Scrubbing the insurrection from Capitol tours Amanda and Holly discussed this story from The Washington Post by Joe Heim: Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. You can . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/39659205

S7, Ep. 08: ‘A vibrant and free civil society is core to religious liberty in our country’ 12/18/2025

S7, Ep. 07: Religion in the military and the latest from Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission 12/11/2025

S7, Ep. 06: Updates on Oak Flat, the Johnson Amendment, and efforts to post the Ten Commandments 12/04/2025

S7, Ep. 05: A religious freedom case flying under the radar: SCOTUS hears Landor v. Louisiana Dept. of Corrections 11/13/2025

S7, Ep. 05: A religious freedom case flying under the radar: SCOTUS hears Landor v. Louisiana Dept. of Corrections One religious freedom case at the Supreme Court isn’t getting the sort of attention as others, despite how it’s uniting groups that often disagree. So, why did the justices sound so skeptical in the courtroom? Amanda and Holly review this week’s oral arguments in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections, which involves the remedy available to a man whose religious freedom rights were violated when he was in prison. The violation isn’t in question, so why is the remedy? Amanda and Holly review the details in this case, play audio from key moments in the courtroom, and discuss the statute that protects prisoners’ religious freedom rights: The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:35): RLUIPA, RFRA, and this case Amanda and Holly previewed the Landor case earlier this season – . BJC joined a diverse group of organizations on a friend-of-the-court brief in this case on the side of Mr. Landor – RLUIPA is the acronym for the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, passed by Congress in the year 2000. The acronym is often pronounced “Re-loop-ah.” RFRA is the acronym for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, pronounced “Riff-rah.” For more on the 2020 decision in Tanzin v. Tanvir, read this article on our website: Segment 2 (starting at 11:05): What happened in the courtroom? Arguments on behalf of Mr. Landor The Supreme Court heard Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections on Monday, November 10. Visit the Supreme Court’s website to . We played four clips from oral arguments in this segment. Zack Tripp’s opening statement, representing Mr. Landor (from 00:15-2:02 in the audio of the arguments) Exchange between Justice Samuel Alito and Zack Tripp (from 20:00-21:25 in the oral arguments) Exchange between Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Zack Tripp (from 23:35-25:56 in the oral arguments) Exchange between Justice Elena Kagan and Libby A. Baird, assistant to the solicitor general (from 1:06:38-1:07:38 in the oral argument) Segment 3 (starting at 31:31): What did the state of Louisiana argue? We played one clip from the oral argument during this segment: Exchange between Justice Elena Kagan and Ben Aguiñaga, the solicitor general of Louisiana (from 1:38:33-1:40:26) Read more about the arguments in this article by Amy Howe for SCOTUSblog: Video of our episodes are now on YouTube! . Do you want special emails about the show? Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/39022650

S7, Ep. 04: Criminalizing Mercy: Sanctuary and Government Repression of Migrant Justice 11/06/2025

S7, Ep. 03: Why is the Johnson Amendment under attack again? 10/30/2025

S7, Ep. 02: Amanda and Holly LIVE on peaceful protests, the impact of the government shutdown, and more 10/23/2025

S7, Ep. 01: The Supreme Court in a new era 10/16/2025

S7, Ep. 01: The Supreme Court in a new era As the Supreme Court begins a new term, we can’t ignore what else is going on in our country – attacks on the rule of law, weaponization of the Department of Justice, the militarization of American cities, disruptive and chaotic immigration enforcement, and a government shutdown. Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman are back for a new season of Respecting Religion to bring thoughtful conversations to these issues and more at the intersection of religion and the law. In the season 7 premiere, they focus on the current Supreme Court term, including a case with an egregious violation of a person’s religious freedom rights that brought together unlikely allies. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): Welcome back to season 7 is also the home of . Amanda’s book is titled , and it is available wherever you get your books.: Video of our episodes are now on YouTube! . Do you want to receive special emails about the show? Segment 2 (starting at 07:26): A disturbing case on religious freedom coming to the Court Read about the three cases from last term in this article from BJC’s magazine, Report from the Capital: Amanda and Holly mentioned Steve Vladeck’s . BJC joined a friend-of-the-court brief in Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections. and see the groups that came together across other ideological lines. Read more about the case in . The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Landor on November 10. Here’s another preview piece, by Amy Howe at SCOTUSblog: Segment 3 (starting at 26:42): What else can we expect from the Court? Read more about Chiles v. Salazar in this article by Amy Howe for SCOTUSblog: You’re invited! Join us in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, Oct. 21-23 for a special event focussed on the Sanctuary movement. We’re honored to welcome historian, author, and co-creator of the podcast , to explore the history, challenges, and future of the movement. Visit for more details and links to sign up. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/38604705

Join us for season 7 of Respecting Religion 10/10/2025

S6, Ep. 18: End of term roundup 07/03/2025

S6, Ep. 18: End of term roundup On our season 6 finale, Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman explore some of the consequential decisions from the final days of the Supreme Court term, including Mahmoud v. Taylor – which involves parents who want to opt their children out of curriculum they find in conflict with their religious beliefs – and U.S. v. Skrmetti, which focuses on access to medical care for transgender youth. They discuss the real world implications of these and other recent rulings. Amanda and Holly also celebrate a decision from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals striking down Louisiana’s law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom and share why this case might find its way up to the Supreme Court before too long. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:38): Recent activities and news For the latest on the budget reconciliation bill and ways to make your voice known, visit Segment 2 (starting at 07:01): A federal court decision and a Supreme Court case with far-reaching implications Roake v. Brumley is the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals case that struck down the Louisiana law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Read more about the decision and BJC’s brief on our website: Trump v. CASA is the case often called the “birthright citizenship” case that is about national injunctions. Amanda and Holly recommended and . All are available on the Supreme Court’s website. Segment 3 (starting at 19:07): The decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor and its potential impact Amanda and Holly discussed oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor in . You can on the Supreme Court’s website. Holly mentioned this piece on the case from Religion News Service: Segment 4 (starting 46:13): U.S. v. Skrmetti and what’s ahead for the Court Amanda and Holly discussed U.S. v. Skrmetti in . You can on the Supreme Court’s website. For more on the case involving the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act that the Supreme Court will hear this fall, read this piece by Adam Liptak for The New York Times: Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/37273070

S6, Ep. 17: Christian nationalism and the Texas public sphere 06/26/2025

S6, Ep. 17: Christian nationalism and the Texas public sphere What’s the difference between religious privilege and religious freedom? How does Christian nationalism spread? Why do so many ideas that start in Texas expand to other parts of the country? On this podcast, we bring you a special panel discussion on Christian nationalism in the Texas public sphere, recorded live on April 8. It features BJC Executive Director (and Respecting Religion co-host) Amanda Tyler, scholar David Brockman, professor Mark Chancey, and journalist Robert Downen. Moderated by Jack Jenkins, it was part of an all-day event focused on telling the story of religion in Texas through journalism, hosted by the Texas Tribune in partnership with Religion News Service, the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life, and Southern Methodist University’s Religious Studies department. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:33): Introducing today’s show and the panelists Learn more about the Texas Tribune’s April 8 event titled “Telling the story of religion in Texas through journalism” . The dedicated to the event includes YouTube videos of each speaker and panel presentation. The day-long event was held in partnership with the , , the , and Southern Methodist University’s department. Segment 2 (starting at 02:51): Panel presentation You can , including a Q&A following the conversation. The panelists are: Amanda Tyler, executive director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, and co-host of this podcast Dr. David Brockman, a non-resident scholar in religion and public policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute who also serves as an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University Dr. Mark Chancey, professor of religious studies at SMU Robert Downen, senior writer at “Texas Monthly” The moderator is Jack Jenkins, national reporter at Religion News Service. NOTE: After this panel was recorded, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott did sign legislation requiring every Texas public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments. Read more in this piece by Sameea Kamal for the Texas Tribune: Amanda and Holly talked about the Texas Bible curriculum in episode 2 of this season: Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/37161105

S6, Ep. 16: What’s going on with the Supreme Court, a new travel ban, and the military in L.A.? 06/12/2025

S6, Ep. 16: What’s going on with the Supreme Court, a new travel ban, and the military in L.A.? With decisions from the Supreme Court, a new travel ban, and a federally militarized presence in Los Angeles, there are many activities in our world that deserve attention. Amanda and Holly discuss several current events in this episode, including the revival of one of the ugliest policies of the first Trump administration. Plus, they review the unanimous decision in a Supreme Court case about religious exemptions to employment law and discuss the Court’s decision not to hear a case involving the protection of sacred land. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 00:37): Recent and still-developing news Holly and Amanda discussed changes in policy about sensitive locations in . We discussed the case of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia in with Melissa Rogers. We discussed the harmful school voucher provision in the “big beautiful bill” during their live episode, released May 27. or in your podcast feed, or . Join BJC for a webinar on the problems with the budget reconciliation bill on Monday, June 16, at 2:30 p.m. , which is hosted by BJC, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and Bread for the World. Read more about the fallout from Rep. Mary Miller referring to a Sikh prayer leader as a “Muslim” and erroneously claiming our country was founded as a “Christian nation” in this article by Andrew Solender for Axios: In memory of Dr. Walter Brueggemann, listen to his 2019 conversation with Amanda on our podcast series exploring the dangers of Christian nationalism: Segment 2 (starting at 13:17): The new travel ban After President Trump issued his new travel ban on June 4, Amanda released a statement you can read on BJC’s website: Visit BJC’s website to read more about and the . Support the NO BAN Act: to contact your members of Congress about the legislation. Segment 3 (starting 20:09): The decision in Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin Labor & Industry Review Commission Supreme Court decisions we are waiting for include: Mahmoud v. Taylor (Hear a discussion of oral arguments in ) U.S. v. Skrmetti (Hear a discussion of oral arguments in ) The case Apache Stronghold v. U.S. involves the sacred land of Chí’chil Biłdagoteel — loosely translated in English as “Oak Flat.” Read more about the denial of cert on BJC’s website: . Amanda and Holly talked about this issue on a podcast back in 2022: . Amanda and Holly talked about the oral arguments in Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin in Ep. 12: Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/36969680

S6, Ep. 15: Religious objections and curriculum opt-outs: Oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor 05/29/2025

S6, Ep. 15: Religious objections and curriculum opt-outs: Oral arguments in Mahmoud v. Taylor A case with a thin record is raising plenty of questions at the Supreme Court. In this episode, Amanda and Holly examine the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor, which involves parents who want to opt their children out of public school curriculum they say conflicts with their religious beliefs. But, what’s the difference between expected exposure and unconstitutional coercion? Does age matter? What happens when opt-out options become too burdensome and overwhelming to accommodate? Amanda and Holly examine the issues in this case as well as the challenges for the school district and for the parents. They also share what the oral arguments revealed about the justices’ interest in the books and discussions outside of the courtroom. SHOW NOTES Segment 1 (starting at 01:50): Remembering Justice David Souter Amanda and Holly released a live mini-episode on Tuesday, May 27, to review the Supreme Court decision in the religious charter school case, the voucher proposal in the budget reconciliation bill, and a court decision halting the dismantling of the Department of Education. or in your podcast feed, or . Amanda and Holly mention the other two church-state cases this term addressed in previous episodes: Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin in Ep. 12: Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, et al. v. Drummond in Ep. 14: BJC Executive Director Emeritus J. Brent Walker wrote a reflection piece on Justice David Souter when the justice retired in 2009: Amy Howe wrote a piece on Justice Souter for SCOTUSblog: Segment 2 (starting at 06:58): The facts (that we know) in the case and what’s at stake BJC has a post on our website describing Mahmoud v. Taylor: The U.S. Supreme Court has a and the in Mahmoud v. Taylor available on its website. Segment 3 (starting 25:54): The two big substantive points from the oral argument We played two clips from the oral argument in this segment: Justice Elena Kagan and Eric Baxter, who argued on behalf of the group of parents (the petitioners) Justice Samuel Alito and Eric Baxter Amanda and Holly talked about the Texas Bible curriculum in episode 2 of this season: Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/36767780

Special LIVE Episode: Vouchers in the budget bill, SCOTUS stops religious charter schools, and new decision on the Dept. of Education 05/27/2025

Special LIVE Episode: Vouchers in the budget bill, SCOTUS stops religious charter schools, and new decision on the Dept. of Education In a conversation broadcast live on May 27, Amanda and Holly provide updates on a day of big news in the religious liberty world. They first look at the surprising 4-4 deadlock from the U.S. Supreme Court in the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, et al. v. Drummond case, which preserves a religious liberty principle by stopping the creation of the nation’s first religious charter school. They also discuss the troubling school voucher proposal that was slipped into the budget reconciliation bill that the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed on May 22, offering tips on how you can help stop it as it goes to the Senate. Plus, they give an update on last week’s court order stopping President Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education and share why that’s good news for public education and religious freedom. Show notes: You can watch this episode on YouTube: Holly read the entire two sentence decision in the Drummond case, which is . You can also on BJC’s website. The discussion of the budget reconciliation bill starts at 8:23. BJC has a website page with the latest on the bill and the actions you can take to stop it in the Senate. Visit for more, including tips on finding a town hall to attend so you can connect with your lawmaker in person. to directly contact your U.S. Senators about the voucher provision, using our simple form. Want to send us a video or an audio recording about why this budget bill would harm your community? On May 22 – the same day the House passed the budget bill and the Supreme Court released its Drummond decision – U.S. District Judge Myong Joun granted a stopping the Trump administration from dismantling the Department of Education. The conversation about this begins at 15:04. Want to make sure you don’t miss future live episodes of the podcast? to be notified of future shows, and follow us on , , , , , or . Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/36735325

S6, Ep. 14: The blockbuster SCOTUS case over religious charter schools 05/15/2025

S6, Ep. 14: The blockbuster SCOTUS case over religious charter schools The most consequential church-state case of this Supreme Court term involves whether the government could – or even must – fund religious charter schools. Amanda and Holly examine key moments in the oral arguments from Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, et al. v. Drummond, playing clips from the courtroom and looking at how the justices may apply recent precedent to shape future law. As BJC noted in the brief we filed, if the government funds religious charter schools, it will drag our government deeper into questions it is unfit to answer on matters of doctrine and church composition. That’s not government neutrality toward religion – that’s religious preference repackaged as educational choice. SHOW NOTESSegment 1 (starting at 01:53): Developments since our previous show Amanda and Holly talked about the Catholic Charities/Wisconsin case in episode 12: We released our episode with Melissa Rogers to coincide with the first 100 days of the Trump administration. It is episode 13 of season 6: President Donald Trump issued and he on the same day establishing the Religious Liberty Commission. The American Bar Association has a You can to read President Donald Trump’s proclamation on “Loyalty Day and Law Day.” The Respecting Religion podcast won a 2025 “Best in Class” award from the Religion Communicators Council’s DeRose-Hinkhouse Awards for our episode titled: “” from season 5. Segment 2 (starting at 09:51): Oral arguments in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board, et al. v. Drummond Holly mentioned this article from The Washington Post by Justin Jouvenal and Laura Meckler that provides an overview of the case: Holly and Amanda discussed these cases as they worked their way through the courts in episode 16 of season 5: BJC filed an amicus brief in Oklahoma v. Drummond, along with other Christian organizations as well as Jewish, Muslim and interfaith groups. . We played four clips in this segment from the oral arguments in Oklahoma v. Drummond. You can visit the Supreme Court’s website for a and an. Clip #1: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson & Solicitor General John Sauer Clip #2: Chief Justice John Roberts Clip #3: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Clip #4: Justice Elena Kagan & Michael McGinley Amanda and Holly mentioned three decisions authored by Chief Justice John Roberts that developed a new way of understanding the Free Exercise Clause. They are: (2017) (2020) (2022) Holly’s 2017 column on the Trinity Lutheran decision is titled “.” Segment 3 (starting 37:12): What do we expect? We played one clip from the oral argument in this segment: The opening statement of Greg Garre, who argued the case for the attorney general of Oklahoma. Respecting Religion is made possible by BJC’s generous donors. Your gift to BJC is tax-deductible, and you can support these conversations . /episode/index/show/respectingreligion/id/36577675

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