As I write this email, communities across the United States are in turmoil. Last week, we mourned the death of Breonna Taylor; this week it’s the murder of George Floyd, a Black man and father of two who died in plain sight, repeating “I can’t breathe” just as Eric Garner did in the same manner six years ago: at the hands of white police officers. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we will speak more to the need, in these moments of response, to recognize the brutal reality that every Black person in this country lives with every day.
The unholy alliance of the political religious right and partisan priorities has been in the crosshairs for investigative journalist Sarah Posner for many years. Now, she has published a timely book, Unholy: Why White Evangelicals Worship at the Altar of Donald Trump. Sarah and Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, will discuss the question of how so many of the nation’s influential faith leaders and their followers stay in lockstep behind the Trump campaign and presidency.
We are also delighted to welcome back to the show filmmaker Daniel Karslake, who is out with a new documentary, For They Know Not What They Do. The film introduces four families, each dealing with this essential question of religion and LGBTQI+ acceptance. Welton will discuss with Dan the collision of anti-gay religion and queer lives and spirituality.
Finally, you’ll hear Mayor Pete Buttigieg — military veteran, South Bend’s former mayor, and the first openly gay American to credibly run for President — speak with Interfaith Alliance President Rabbi Jack Moline on the weekday Facebook Live series “Stay Home, Stay Focused.” You can check out the full archive of the series online at: stayhomestayfocused.org.
In this time of social isolation, do you know someone who would benefit from hearing the thoughtful, inclusive conversations we offer? Please share State of Belief with them!
