Religious Liberty Essay Scholarship Contest
WHO
High school seniors graduating in 2016 or 2017 (open to anyone regardless of gpa, faith, etc.)
WHAT
Project = Submit an essay on the topic of religious liberty (800 -1200 words)
Topic = see bottom
Prizes = 1st place: $2,000 and trup to Wash. DC; 2nd = $1,000; 3rd = $250
WHEN
Due March 4, 2016
WHERE
More information = http://bjconline.org/contest/
Mailing:
Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty
200 Maryland Ave. NEWashington D.C. 20002
WHY
This essay contest poses important questions that young adults may likely face in their budding civic and philosophical lives, ya know? If you haven't pondered these themes, now's a good chance. :)
HOW
Contest guidelines = http://bjconline.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2016-RL-Essay-Contest-Entry-Form-for-web.pdf
Essay contest topic:
At times, an elected or government-appointed official may encounter a conflict between his or her job requirements and a personal religious belief. For example, a county clerk may not want to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples because of his or her religious view of marriage. Similarly, a clerk who is a pacifist may object to issuing a gun license based on his or her religious belief.
Should an elected official be able to opt out of certain job duties? How far should government go to accommodate elected or appointed government officials who have religious objections to certain job requirements?
Write an essay in which you discuss both the rights and responsibilities of the official and of the individual(s) applying for the license. In what way does your solution affect all parties involved?
