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, 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, and our “Separating Together” series of recommended books, articles, podcasts, movies, and other resources to explore church-state separation from home.

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,