Write the grand-prize-winning essay in the Baptist Joint Committee's fifth annual religious liberty essay contest—open to all high school students in the 2010 and 2011 graduating classes—and win a trip to Washington, D.C., plus $1,000. The second place prize winner takes home $500; the third place prize is $100.

All entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.

Here's the essay assignment: 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of presidential nominee John F. Kennedy's speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association about the relationship between his religion and his politics. The Roman Catholic politician spoke to the group of Protestant ministers about the ways his religion would—and would not—affect his decisions as president.

"I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute," Kennedy said, "where no Catholic prelate would tell the president (should he be Catholic) how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote; where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference; and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the president who might appoint him or the people who might elect him."

Discuss whether or not Kennedy was correct in advocating an absolute separation of church and state. Also consider the implications of his speech and how the principles he laid out are—or are not—followed by politicians and other leaders 50 years later.

Winners, who will be announced in the summer of 2010, will be featured in the BJC's flagship publication, Report from the Capital. The grand prize winner will also be recognized at the BJC board meeting in Washington, D.C., in October 2010

Guidelines, suggestions, requirements and contest forms are available from the BJC Web site. For more information, contact Cherilyn Crowe at (202) 544-4226 or ccrowe@BJConline.org.

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