News From The Week Of July 22 - July 26, 2019
Friend:
Every summer, our team at Americans United is bolstered by insightful and creative interns who work hard to support everything our organization achieves. On top of their daily work, they bring our organization the valuable perspective of a younger generation.
We not only welcome that perspective with open arms, we seek it out intentionally because figuring out how to connect with the next generation of leaders is fundamental to the survival of AU and our commitment to the separation of religion and government.
Any time I can get in front of younger audiences, I take advantage of the opportunity. That’s why I was thrilled to speak to interns throughout Washington, D.C., at the Newseum’s Religious Freedom Center Summer Bootcamp. I spoke about “Religious Freedom in the Age of Trump,” and put into historical perspective the many misuses of religious freedom that we’ve witnessed under this administration. Most importantly, I gave them ideas on how to engage in protecting true freedom of conscience and urged them to remember how meaningful their civic engagement can be – no matter how big or small.
Education on our issue is so important, and that was highlighted this week. The Pew Research Center released survey results on a religious literacy poll which found that only 27% of Americans surveyed knew that the Constitution prohibits any religious litmus tests for officeholders (www.bit.ly/AUFaithSurvey).
It’s up to us to improve public understanding of the separation of religion and government – and that process starts with ourselves, our families, our friends, and our neighbors. Never forget that when we work together, slowly but surely, we change the country for the better!
In solidarity,
Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO
How A Spiritual Quest Led Me To Americans United:
AU Intern Ruby French feels extraordinarily lucky that she had the freedom to explore religion without pressure or threats of discrimination. She envisions an America where all experience this freedom, to believe or not to believe in whatever way they choose.
READ MORE » www.bit.ly/AUInternRuby
If The Bladensburg Cross Is Historic, Then Let’s Hear Its History:
The Bladensburg Cross is obviously not part of a church so a casual observer might rightly wonder why it is there and conclude that it represents a Christian community. Historical markers would help to address that problem.
READ MORE » www.bit.ly/AUBladensburgHistory
Study Says Americans Have A Few Things To Learn About Non-Christian Faiths:
A new Pew Research Center survey highlighted the lack of knowledge Americans have about minority faiths, and the benefit of interfaith friendships.
READ MORE » www.bit.ly/AUFaithSurvey
Former Student Provides Inside Look At The Orwellian World Of Liberty University:
At Liberty University, Christian speakers who are critical of Trump or other conservatives were warned not to set foot on campus.
READ MORE » www.bit.ly/AULibertyUni
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