Friend:

In these difficult times, I’m happy to offer you some good news about our work to protect the separation of religion and government amid this public health crisis.

Since the start of widespread social distancing, AU has been urging governors and courts to ensure that any bans on large gatherings don’t unconstitutionally exempt religious activities. This week, after AU’s correspondence, New Mexico revised its public health order to include houses of worship (Kansas did the same after receiving our letter earlier this month). And in Virginia, a judge refused to grant religious exemptions to the state’s ban on large gatherings after AU filed a legal brief in the case.

Our efforts to protect church-state separation are working – that’s why we’re keeping up the pressure. Yesterday, AU sent a letter to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and filed a legal brief in another Virginia lawsuit, arguing for equal treatment of religious and secular gatherings in those states’ public health orders.

I know I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again: Thank you, friend. Especially during times of crisis, it's your dedication and support that keeps our mission alive. We could not do our work without you.

And one last thing: I’ve now heard from nearly 100 of you in response to my question about how you’re doing, and it’s been so gratifying to connect. In fact, I just penned my May column for Church & State magazine about your messages. If you haven’t yet been in touch, please keep the responses coming. They mean a lot to me and also our staff.

In solidarity,