In 2021

The COVID-19 Delta variant is wreaking havoc in our communities, making it impossible for the nation to return to “business as usual” – especially in areas with low vaccination rates. While many faith leaders are encouraging their congregations to get vaccinated, others are doing the exact opposite, to all of our detriment. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we will discuss science versus vaccine skepticism, LGBTQ+ youth in Charleston, and the continued fight against those attempting to subvert true religious freedom.

State of Belief has long spoken out against the pseudoscience that is conversion therapy. In a stroke of good news, Charleston, WV this week passed an ordinance banning this practice on minors. Andrew Schneider, executive director of Fairness West Virginia, will join the Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, to discuss this important step in protecting the city’s LGBTQ+ youth.

The more every public issue seems to get hijacked by partisanship – and the more fossilized partisan divides seem to become – the more critically important it becomes to find ways to engage across that divide. Especially when the issue is one that affects all of us, as is the case with the pandemic. Welton will sit down with Dr. Christopher Beem, managing director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, to discuss his recent Religion News Service article, Why refusing the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t just immoral – it’s ‘un-American.’

In an age of partisan gridlock and widespread public distrust of government officials, it’s more important than ever to cut through the noise and rancor to focus on what’s important. Katy Joseph, Interfaith Alliance’s director of policy and advocacy, will join Welton to discuss the organization’s priorities looking to the fall and beyond.

State of Belief is made possible in great part by the generous support of our listeners. Please consider making a donation to help keep us on the air at this critical time. Details can be found at our donations page here.

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