News From The Week Of March 16 – 20, 2020

Friend:

I am thinking about our AU family and hoping that you and your loved ones are staying healthy and coping in these stressful times.

Let me reassure you that Americans United is functioning excellently in virtual mode. Our work not only continues – it’s essential to thwarting a whole new set of attacks on church-state separation related to the coronavirus outbreak.

Just this week, our team has been:

- Monitoring Congress’ emergency coronavirus stimulus bills and working behind the scenes with allies to ensure lawmakers don’t sneak in language that would undermine church-state separation, particularly by funneling tax dollars to religious activities.

- Educating government leaders about how their orders temporarily restricting people from gathering in large groups must include religious gatherings. As I wrote in my letters to the governors of Michigan and Kansas ([link removed]), not only does the Constitution permit such restrictions, it demands that religious and secular gatherings be treated equally – and that religious freedom not be misused in ways that put people’s lives at risk.

- Connecting with our supporters in creative new ways, like the Facebook Live discussion I had with my friend Jack Moline of Interfaith Alliance on the ways AU is battling both new and ongoing threats to religious freedom ([link removed]), and our “Separating Together” series of recommended books, articles, podcasts, movies, and other resources to explore church-state separation from home: [link removed]

In this challenging moment, please know that the whole AU team takes comfort and draws strength from your continued support for our mission.

Thanks for being with us, and if you feel so inclined, please let us know how you are doing.

In solidarity,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO

Separating Together: Living – And Learning – During The Coronavirus Outbreak:
Over the coming days and weeks, we’ll be sharing recommendations of books, articles, podcasts, movies, and other resources you can check out if you have some extra time on your hands and are trying to stay engaged.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Could Someone Persuade Jerry Falwell Jr. To Stop Talking? Please?
Jerry Falwell Jr. was only on Todd Starnes's show for about four minutes but managed to spread an astonishing amount of rubbish about the coronavirus in that time period.
READ MORE » [link removed]

A Legislator In Pennsylvania Has Introduced An Offensive Prayer Day Resolution. Lawmakers Should Denounce It:
The resolution is littered with offensive Christian nationalist language, among those a declaration that 'The House of Representatives devoutly recognizes the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations.'
READ MORE » [link removed]

In The Face Of A Pandemic, The Government Can Curb Gatherings – And That Includes Houses Of Worship:
Religious freedom doesn’t mean the right to expose others to harm, injury or death. Certain religious practices can be curbed or banned if they threaten others.
READ MORE » [link removed]

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Americans United for Separation of Church and State
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