News From The Week Of April 12 – April 16, 2021

Friend:

In my column in the April edition of Church & State magazine, “Finding The Right Words: What Do We Call AU's Opponents?” I shared my thought process around how we describe the leading forces that oppose AU and church-state separation ([link removed]).

It’s an important question. Getting the answer right helps AU effectively mobilize a large and diverse movement to guard America’s promise of religious freedom.

We regularly use terms like “Religious Right,” “religious extremists,” and, more recently, “Christian nationalists” and “white Christian nationalists.” All of these labels have their pros and cons; each brings its own cultural and/or contextual complications. I wrote about this in my column because I wanted to pull the curtain back a little bit and let you, our supporters, weigh in on the conversation.

Many of you did! Rob Boston, the editor of Church & State magazine, has been sharing the feedback that our magazine readers provided. Much of it was brimming with insights and out-of-the-box ideas.

So I thought, why not open up the conversation even more? If you have thoughts on what term best describes AU’s opponents, I’d love to hear them. Give my column a read and then hit “reply” on this email to tell me your view in your own words!

Finally, speaking of your own words, the deadline for AU’s 2021 Student Essay Contest is Monday, April 19. If you or anyone you know (including a relative) is eligible, don’t wait any longer – submit or encourage someone else to submit an essay this weekend for a chance to win up to $1,500: [link removed]

I can’t wait to hear from you – be it a quick email or an essay. Your support and active engagement with our issue keeps this movement going, friend. Thanks for all that you do for our cause.

With hope and determination,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO

The Supreme Court's Radical Redefinition Of Religious Freedom Threatens Our Rights:
The U.S. Supreme Court is upending the foundational definition of religious freedom and redefining it as religious privilege.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Religious Extremism: A Growing Threat To American Values:
A new analysis shows that common targets for far-right terrorists are Black churches, mosques, abortion clinics and government buildings. But it’s not just structures that are attacked.
READ MORE » [link removed]

The Supreme Court Continues To Privilege Religion In COVID Cases:
One can’t help but wonder if the Supreme Court majority is not being deliberately obtuse here as it desperately grasps at any rationale to favor religion.
READ MORE » [link removed]

Faith Groups Oppose Dangerous COVID Exemption Bills:
A broad coalition of 27 faith groups released an important statement making it clear that while religious freedom is a cherished right, it shouldn’t become an excuse to endanger public health.
READ MORE » [link removed]

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