For so many of us, the past week has been a breath of fresh air. And that’s not from a partisan standpoint, but from seeing our values reflected in the peaceful transfer of power and an administration taking action to elevate leaders more representative of America’s rich diversity. From welcoming the first woman, first Black, and first Asian-American vice president, to repealing the Muslim Ban, to the biggest federal expansion of LGBTQ+ equality in American history, we have much to be grateful for. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, will look into how we move forward in a new presidential administration.
For decades, the Religious Right has claimed ownership over the language of faith and faith values. But over the past year, diverse, progressive faith voices have risen to counter that narrative. The Rev. Adam Nicholas Phillips, founder and executive director of Faith 2020, will join Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, to discuss the interfaith coalition’s work organizing progressive people of faith for values-based political engagement.
In its final days, the former administration worked overtime to implement final rules and policies that further marginalized true religious freedom for those of all faiths and of none. Outrageously, this included turning over sacred Apache lands to a mining company in Arizona. We’ll hear from Wendsler Nosie Sr. — former Chairman and Councilman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe — about this brutal action, and what Apache Stronghold has tried to do to counter it.
This has been a hopeful week for champions of religious freedom. As we celebrate historic wins, Interfaith Alliance is also preparing to continue its vital work into the Biden administration. Katy Joseph, director of policy and advocacy, will join Welton to discuss the organization’s vision for the next four years.
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