This month, the House Judiciary Committee will host a hearing on the rise of white nationalism in America. It is no secret that right-wing radicalism and white nationalist rhetoric and violence have crept into the mainstream more and more in recent years not just at home, but around the world. And it’s disturbing to see how religion and the language of traditional values has become a willing partner to some of the most oppressive political movements to be found. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s Weekly radio show and podcast, we’ll talk about what is at stake as we keep an eye on these factions around the world.
The World Congress of Families (WCF) gathered earlier this month in Verona, Italy, to promote a toxic vision of authoritarianism based on a narrow interpretation of Scripture. For a look at what happened, Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, will sit down with Peter Montgomery, senior fellow at People for the American Way, to discuss the connection between the World Congress of Families and atrocities such as the Ugandan kill-the-gays bill, the deadly Russian anti-gay law and other institutional assaults on human rights.
We’re excited to welcome to the show this week a Grammy-nominated musician, activist and teacher who brings social consciousness and a passion for interreligious collaboration to her work and life. Neshama Carlebach is a dynamic and successful artist and educator who combines a passion for the music she was raised with and, often, a gospel choir! She has just released her 10th album, titled Believe. She’ll join Welton on State of Belief this week to talk about her new album and unlikely partnerships in music and faith.
Sunday, April 7 is World Health Day. Designated as such by the World Health Organization, it is a day to focus on the very real, often life-threatening challenges facing a great number of our fellow human beings across the world, including global climate change and access to clean water. On this week’s show, Welton will talk about problems and priorities in the area of human health and well-being with clean water activist and philanthropist David Douglas.