In 2022

Our hearts are with the people of Buffalo following the massacre of ten Black residents by a white supremacist in a local grocery store. Motivating the shooter was the racist, xenophobic, and antisemitic “Great Replacement” theory – a counterfactual ideology that, in recent years, has been brought to the mainstream by radical lawmakers and media personalities. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we will explore the toxic creed that led to this devastating tragedy.

The Buffalo shooter wasn’t unique. His manifesto echoed racist sentiments found not only in the deep corners of the Internet, but also in places like Fox News. Best-selling author Jeff Sharlet (The Family, C Street) will join Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, to discuss his conclusions from reading the killer’s manifesto and how the beliefs found in it are held by a shocking percentage of the population at large.

True religious freedom means that people seeking care should be able to make decisions based on their own beliefs and circumstances, not the religious views of their doctor or state legislators. But the leaked Alito draft suggests the Court is poised to strike down this critical right for those who are pregnant. Jamie Manson, executive director of Catholics for Choice, will join Rev. Gaddy to analyze what comes next – especially for the many people of faith who support reproductive choice.

Public opinion means little when agendas are defined and driven by ideologues. But it does matter when those same ideologues are amplified to convey a grossly inaccurate picture of American values – particularly on an issue as loaded as reproductive rights. Besheer Mohamed, senior researcher with Pew Research, will speak with Welton about the group’s new poll, America’s Abortion Quandary.

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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