In 2022

The intersection of faith and politics in America today is defined by contradictions and misconceptions. Even as fringe voices are using their outsized influence to impose their beliefs on all, the vast majority of faithful Americans are demonstrating that equality and solidarity are complementary with religious freedom. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we’ll discuss the vital role of faith voices in combating religious extremism.

The widespread backlash to Florida’s discriminatory “Don’t Say Gay Bill” has been extraordinary both within in the state and nationwide. But with the start of a new school year just around the corner, the need to protect students and educators from these classroom restrictions is more urgent than ever. Kell Olson, an attorney with Lambda Legal, will sit down with Rabbi Jack Moline, filling in for State of Belief host Rev. Welton Gaddy, to discuss the coalition of groups suing to stop this harmful legislation.

Even as the Religious Right tries to turn back the clock and pass discriminatory laws, we’ve seen a surge of support among faithful Americans for upholding dignity and equality for LGBTQ+ people. Within faith communities, too, a new generation of queer leaders are stepping up to guide their LGBTQ+ siblings on their faith journeys. Father Shannon Kearns, the co-founder of QueerTheology.com, will join jack to discuss his new book, In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey with Scripture.

The drift of young Americans away from organized religion has been well-documented for years. If you take a closer look, though, millennials aren’t turning their back on spirituality altogether, but instead finding new and understudied places to seek community and inspiration. Dr. Sarah Wilkins LaFlamme, a Canadian scholar of religion and technology, will join Jack to discuss some popular misconceptions about young people and faith. She’s the author of Religion, Spirituality and Secularity Among Millennials.

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