The Holy Muslim month of Ramadan is underway. Ramadan Kareem to everyone keeping the fast while observing unprecedented restrictions on gatherings and community events.
The relentless spread of COVID-19 dominated mainstream news, with little mention of the 50th celebration of Earth Day on Wednesday. It didn’t help that the White House chose this week to issue wide-reaching – though temporary – new restrictions on immigration to this country. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we’ll look at the impact of those restrictions on immigrants and refugees – as well as discuss whether religious progressives really are growing in their influence, and look at Earth Day through a religious lens.
GreenFaith, an organization made up of people of faith taking action on climate change, has built a diverse coalition calling for Congress to officially declare a Climate Emergency and take immediate action. Joining Rev. Welton Gaddy, host of State of Belief, is the Rev. Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of GreenFaith, to discuss an almost-forgotten Earth Day, as well as the ways global action on both the pandemic and the climate crisis can inform each other.
If you follow the religion news beat, then you know Religion News Service’s national reporter Jack Jenkins. His broad expertise in American religion, politics, and culture lays the foundation for articulate reporting and insightful commentary. This week, Jack’s come out with his first book: American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country. A frequent guest, Jack will spend time with Welton discussing with this chronicle of the moral resurgence we’re seeing today. An excerpt of the book is available online at the Religion News Service website.
Interfaith Alliance has already wrapped up twenty-two episodes of its Facebook Live series, Stay Home, Stay Focused, with leaders from across the sacred and secular spectrums. This past week, President of Interfaith Alliance Rabbi Jack Moline’s guests included Jen Smyers of the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program. We’ll hear some timely highlights from this conversation. The Stay Home, Stay Focused Facebook Live series continues weekday afternoons, 12:15 Eastern, at Facebook.com/interfaithalliance.
In this time of social isolation, do you know someone who would benefit from hearing the thoughtful, inclusive conversations we offer? Please share State of Belief with them!
