“Over the past several years, BJC has been sounding the alarm about the single greatest threat to religious freedom for all in the U.S. today – Christian nationalism. We have raised awareness about the harm it is causing to American democracy and an authentic Christian witness through the leadership of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign. We have continued to develop resources for communities to take action, including the book How to End Christian Nationalism, published by Broadleaf Books last month. We are partnering with advocacy and organizing groups and houses of worship committed to civic engagement to build local coalitions to take action to build the Beloved Community.” – Amanda Tyler, Executive Director, BJC
Separation of Church and State
Yes, It Is The Law – See What was the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom?
The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom (passed in 1786) is a foundational American legal document that established the total separation of church and state. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, it banned the government from forcing citizens to attend or financially support any religious institution, and guaranteed individuals the right to practice their faith freely without suffering civil penalties.
Key aspects of the statute include:
- Disestablishment: It officially disestablished the Church of England (the Anglican Church) as Virginia’s state-sponsored religion. Prior to this law, taxpayers were forced to financially support the church, regardless of their own beliefs.
- Freedom of Conscience: It established that no person could be penalized, restrained, or burdened physically, professionally, or financially because of their religious opinions.
- Civil Equality: It declared that a person’s religious views have no bearing on their civil capacities, meaning a citizen’s faith cannot restrict their rights to hold public office or vote.
- A “Natural Right”: Jefferson and James Madison ensured the document stated that religious liberty is an inalienable, natural right of mankind that no future legislature
Recommended Reading
How to End Christian Nationalism by Amanda Tyler
Christian nationalism is a powerful and pervasive ideology, and it is becoming normalized. From Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, comes How to End Christian Nationalism, your vital companion for countering this dangerous ideology. Tyler draws on her experiences, conversations with pastors and laypeople, research, Scripture, her Baptist convictions, and her work as a constitutional law expert to help us confront Christian nationalist fervor.
You’ll learn how to distinguish Christian nationalism from the teachings of Jesus and to demonstrate how the former perpetuates white supremacy. This book also unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it’s not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power.
Here, you’ll find stories of what Christians are doing to resist Christian nationalism in their churches and communities, plus ideas for your own work. From strategies for faith-rooted organizing to guidance for holding hard conversations with loved ones, Tyler offers practical ways to protect faith freedom for all. With precision and compassion, Tyler offers cogent arguments for the separation of church and state, a timely call to action, and an urgent case for replacing a twisted, fearful version of faith with one that is good and right and true. We’ve all seen what Christian nationalism can do. Now is the time for Christians to reckon with its harm. Now is the time to end it.
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