Segments
From Pope Francis’ first visit to the U.S. to Ben Carson’s comments about American Muslims, the celebration of Eid al Adha to the observance of Yom Kippur – this was the type of week that us interfaith junkies live for. On this episode of State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, Rev. Welton Gaddy takes a look at everything that’s been going on. Bishop Gene Robinson will share what he saw at the Pope’s reception at the White House on Wednesday and respond to the outrage of the Religious Right that LGBT leaders were invited to receive the Holy Father. Rabbi Jack Moline, Interfaith Alliance’s executive director, will talk about the week in religious freedom – from Pope Francis’s speech to Congress to Ben Caron’s offensive comments. And, finally, we’ll take a look back in our archives and listen to Welton’s 2010 interview with acclaimed country singer/songwriter, and LGBT equality advocate, Chely Wright. 
Pope Francis Goes To Washington
The streets of our nation’s capital were packed this week as Pope Francis began his first ever trip to the United States. As part of this historic visit President Obama welcomed the Holy Father to the White House at a reception that – to the chagrin of Religious Right activists – included prominent LGBT faith leaders, including our good friend Bishop Gene Robinson. Bishop Gene joins our show to describe what he witnessed at this once in a lifetime experience.
An Unusual Address to Congress and All Too Usual Rhetoric From Politicians
This week saw a Pontiff address a joint session of Congress for the first time in our nation’s history. This week also saw politicians doubling down on unnerving rhetoric about the role of American Muslims in our nation and political system. Welton invites on Rabbi Jack Moline, Executive Director of Interfaith Alliance, to walk us through the week in religious freedom. What church-state separation issues did the Pope’s speech evoke? Why has religious freedom skyrocketed to the forefront of the 2016 campaign? What can listeners do to make sure candidates for public office respect the rights of all Americans? Tune in to hear Rabbi Moline’s take on these questions and more!
A Look Back: An Interview with Chely Wright
As we get closer to the 10th anniversary of State of Belief, we’re revisiting some of our favorite interviews. This week, we rewind to a powerful 2010 interview with out Lesbian Country singer/songwriter Chely Wright. Earlier that year, she had made public that she was gay. Since then, Chely has married and given birth to twins; has devoted herself to protecting LGBT youth; and this month, is back in the studio working on her 8th album.
September 26, 2015 – The Pope in America; Chely Wright Flashback by State Of Belief Radio on Mixcloud
