The holiday season is upon us, a time of year that’s a reminder to give thanks for those who use faith as a motivator for creating positive social change that benefits those of all faiths and of none. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we will highlight faith leaders working for the common good.
Those who stay up to date on religion and politics in the news are sure to have seen headlines claiming that recent legislation in Ohio — the Ohio Student Religious Liberties Act — will allow students to justify incorrect answers on exams with religious doctrine. Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist at the ACLU of Ohio, will join Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, to parse out fact versus fiction on the controversial act.
While the religious right continues to manipulate the true meaning of religious freedom for political gain, other faith leaders resolve to use faith to drive their work creating positive and inclusive social change. Rev. Gaddy will sit down with the Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, associate minister at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church and author of Revolution of Values: Reclaiming Public Faith for the Common Good, to discuss the impact of progressive faith-inspired movements.
As the Trump administration continues to crack down on migrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families, faith-based resettlement agencies such as HIAS continue to fight for the safety and dignity of refugees. Part of that advocacy includes partnering with T’RUAH, the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, in leading delegations of faith leaders and activists on trips to the southern border to witness the inhumane conditions awaiting those seeking to make a new life in the United States. Rabbi Justin David, head of Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton and a participant on a recent trip, will join Welton to discuss his experience and the crucial work being done in the immigration space.