Latest Show July 22, 2017 – Stopping the Political Religious Right’s power grab

The Political Religious Right already wields disproportionate power in our nation, and now they’re looking to destroy the law that prevents tax-exempt houses of worship from becoming unaccountable slush funds for political candidates. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s radio show and podcast, we’ll speak with one of the groups sounding the alarm about the GOP effort to repeal the Johnson Amendment.

Host Rev. Welton Gaddy will be joined by Sarah Levin, Senior Legislative Associate at the Secular Coalition for America, to discuss the importance of defending the Johnson Amendment, which prevents all charities — from churches and synagogues to the Girl Scouts and Red Cross — from using tax-deductible contributions for partisan electioneering. In today’s anything-goes atmosphere, this may seem like a quaint issue. But the implications for religious freedom, politics and the role of houses of worship in society are enormous.

How is it possible that President Trump’s divisive, and often hate-filled, rhetoric has done nothing to alienate moral, Jesus-inspired Christian conservatives in this country? How is it possible that an angry, divisive campaign that didn’t end with the election continues to hold self-described values voters in thrall? Welton will explore these questions with Rev. Dr. Brett Younger, Senior Minister of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn and the author of a heartrending new column, “Donald Trump Stole My Old Church.”

Finally, Welton will catch up with Interfaith Alliance president Rabbi Jack Moline for an update from the nation’s capital. Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ) recently proposed an amendment that would have unjustly stigmatized American Muslims and placed Islam under the microscope. Franks’ legislation was narrowly voted down, but we haven’t heard the last of such proposals. Tune in to hear how advocates for genuine religious freedom are fighting back.