News from the Week May 1 - May 5, 2023
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“It is thrilling to be in such an intentionally diverse crowd all fighting for the rights and protection of every single one of us.” It’s thrilling and also emotional not just to know but to feel how we are the majority, uniting Americans across so many differences. That’s just a snippet of what I said about the energy and empowerment I experienced at AU’s inaugural Summit for Religious Freedom (SRF) in a podcast interview that was released this week – one of several podcasts to feature AU and SRF. Something like 125 million Americans listen to podcasts on a monthly basis, so it’s a big deal that we tapped into that coverage.
The diversity of our movement, the commitment people have toward the separation of church and state as the shield that protects so many other rights and freedoms they care about, and the launch of our new “One Nation, All Beliefs” pledge ([link removed]) were the themes of my interview ([link removed]) with Bradley Onishi, host of the “Straight White American Jesus” podcast and one of SRF’s keynote speakers. Onishi said he felt it, too: “I just feel like everyone is here. The dynamism that creates is hard to put into words.”
Onishi’s podcast has begun releasing a series of interviews he recorded at SRF with several of AU’s Youth Organizing Fellows and diverse faith leaders who attended. In addition to our chat, he also has released the episode with the Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, a queer, Black clergywoman who is an adjunct faculty at Villanova University and a member of AU’s Faith Advisory Council. Bradley will be releasing additional episodes in the coming weeks – you can listen to them here: [link removed]
“Straight White American Jesus” isn’t the only podcast covering SRF. The hosts of “Unreasonable,” a new podcast dedicated to church-state separation, also attended and interviewed AU’s Rob Boston about the event and AU’s work – you can listen to that here ([link removed]). And Rewire News’ popular “Boom! Lawyered” podcast recorded a live episode at SRF about the Supreme Court’s latest abortion ban decision; that episode is available here: [link removed]
Podcasts aren’t your thing? Check out this write-up ([link removed]) on SRF from the Rev. Brian Kaylor, a member of AU’s Board of Trustees and editor of the Baptist news site “Word&Way.” And you can read my latest Church & State column ([link removed]) about my experience at SRF’s Lobby Day with actors Bradley Whitford and Amy Landecker and several of our supporters.
If you missed out on the inaugural Summit for Religious Freedom, get a taste of the SRF energy and expertise at our next virtual SRF365 event. We’ll be hosting the webinar “What's at Stake for Our Issues at the Supreme Court” ([link removed]) with experts from AU’s legal team and some of our partner organizations on Wednesday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET. I hope you’ll join us!
With hope and determination,
Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO
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The National Day Of Prayer Is A Christian Nationalist Relic From The 1950s. Here’s How You Can Push Back.
The National Day of Prayer dates back to a time when our government responded to a surge of Christian Nationalism by employing religion to rally Americans during the Cold War. As we face a resurgent Christian Nationalism today, it’s more important than ever that we keep church and state separate.
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Florida’s Book Bans: A Christian Nationalist Model For Every State?
Monica Smith, a member of AU's Youth Organizing Fellowship program, rings alarm bells that Christian Nationalists are altering the public education system in Florida.
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Stars Shine On Capitol Hill: An Amazing Day Of Advocating For Religious Freedom.
In her monthly Church & State column, AU President and CEO Rachel Laser notes there is nothing more powerful than human stories — especially when you are advocating for legislation.
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Researching The Impact Of Church-State Separation On Youth.
AU Youth Organizing Fellow Camille Serrano studied how young people connect with and advocate for church-state separation.
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Get Involved—Check Out AU’s Upcoming Events:
Find additional details and a full list of events at [link removed]
May 20, 2023, 7:30 p.m. ET (In Person & Virtual): “Hell or High Water: Religion and Climate Change Denial,” a discussion on the extent to which religious views, in particular evangelical Christianity, present obstacles to the acceptance of climate change with Glenn Branch, the deputy director of the National Center for Science Education. Sponsored by AU’s Orange County, Calif., Chapter. Sign up here: [link removed]
May 24, 2023, 7:30 p.m. ET (Virtual): “SRF Webinar Series: What's at Stake for Our Issues at the Supreme Court?” In the next installment of AU’s SRF365 programming, hear from legal experts about the latest Supreme Court religion cases – what the Court has said, how it might rule, and what these cases could mean for the country and the law. Sign up here. [link removed]
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