‘Chaplains’ for Christian Nationalism
This issue of A Public Witness looks at the problems with recent public school chaplaincy bills by considering what a chaplain really is and what religious freedom actually looks like.
Southern Baptists, Christian Nationalism, and Bad Data
This issue of A Public Witness digs into recent data from Lifeway Research and the Land Center to see what we can actually learn about a significant evangelical denomination and why the framing of the report misses the mark.
Florida Will Open Schools to Volunteer Chaplains
Opponents cite several problems with the new Florida law that takes effect July 1, including there being no training requirements for these public school chaplains.
Strengthening the Church-State Wall to Protect Democracy
This issue of A Public Witness takes you inside the Summit for Religious Freedom to hear about why church-state separation matters for democracy and the vitality of the Christian witness.
Some State Lawmakers Want School Chaplains as Part of a ‘Rescue Mission’ for Public Education
Many chaplains and interfaith organizations oppose the campaign, calling the motivation offensive and dangerous — especially without standards around proselytizing or serving students from different religious backgrounds.
God’s Will … On Unemployment Taxes?
This issue of A Public Witness digs into the hotly debated 'render therefore unto Caesar' Bible verse to consider its usage in a recent notable legal opinion.
A Century Ago, One State Tried to Close Religious Schools − A Far Cry From Today
On April 2, Oklahoma’s Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that could allow a Catholic charter school to open — which critics say would demolish the line between church and state in education.
A Wisconsin Ruling on Catholic Charities Raises the Bar for Religious Tax Exemptions
U.S. religious institutions enjoy tax exemptions, most notably from property taxes. Debate has raged for decades over whether the exemptions are fair.
Voucher Expansion Leads to More Students, Waitlists, and Classes for Some Religious Schools
Using public funds to pay for religious school tuition — especially with generous income limits or none at all — remains controversial as proponents gain ground in Republican-majority states.
Florida Considers Allowing Volunteer Chaplains in Public Schools
The only requirements for a chaplain participating in a school program would be a background check and having their name and religious affiliation listed on the school website.