News From The Week Of April 6 – April 10, 2020
Friend:
While social distancing is still critical to public safety, its effects can often be isolating, lonely, and difficult. It’s perhaps an especially challenging week for those of us who are observing or preparing to observe holidays that usually include family gatherings or religious services.
My own extended family is doing our traditional family Passover Seder this weekend (I know - a little late!) via Zoom. While we’re all greatly looking forward to it, it’s not the same as being together in person.
It has brought me and the AU team so much comfort to read the messages many of you sent in about your experiences during this unprecedented public health crisis. You shared your stories of incredible resilience in a time of uncertainty - including exploring a new hobby, finding new and creative ways to connect with loved ones, or even just getting outside and walking around the neighborhood to feel the sun on your face.
But that’s not all - we heard from so many of you that learning AU’s work is continuing despite these turbulent times has helped lift your spirits. You told me AU’s daily blog posts, our monthly Church and State magazine, and even these weekly updates are a welcome reprieve. I’m so glad that our defense of religious freedom is bringing you some peace of mind. And let me tell you - your words have helped lift our staff’s spirits greatly!
So here’s another update on AU’s work:
- We filed a brief in a Virginia court Thursday to urge the court to put the health of Virginia residents first by allowing an order banning large gatherings to remain in place without exemptions for religious services: [link removed]
- We sent a letter to the Small Business Administration to urge them against using taxpayer funds from the recently-passed stimulus package to support explicitly religious activities, such as payroll costs for clergy: [link removed]
- We called on Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to remove exemptions for religious services from his executive order prohibiting the public from gathering in large groups: [link removed]
- My op-ed was published in Religion News Service pointing out that the Constitution and sacred texts agree: We must worship together from a distance: [link removed]
If you haven’t written in yet, please consider replying with a note about how you’re doing. We will make sure to keep you up-to-date on our continued struggle to preserve religious freedom and to stop the government from misusing it to put lives at risk.
In solidarity,
Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO
Yes, The Coronavirus Is Serious. No, That Doesn’t Justify Taxpayer-Funded Clergy:
Americans United appreciates that many houses of worship are struggling due to the grave economic downturn. But that does not negate the fact that faith communities in American have historically relied on voluntary contributions, not taxpayer aid, to fund their religious work and pay their employees.
READ MORE » [link removed]
To Effectively Fight Coronavirus, We Must Stand Against Hate:
The use of the term 'Chinese virus' by President Donald Trump and his toadies at Fox News doesn’t help. The term implies blame – or even that there was something intentional or reckless about the release of the virus.
READ MORE » [link removed]
We're Keeping Our Distance – Even As We Stay On Top Of AU's Mission:
At Americans United, there have been many uplifting moments as I’ve watched our dedicated staff adapt swiftly and caringly to sudden changes.
READ MORE » [link removed]
Religious Leaders In Pa. Call For Responsible (And Remote) Worship:
Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities in Pennsylvania have issued statements on the need to keep houses of worship closed.
READ MORE » [link removed]
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