FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2020
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171
Rabbi Jack Moline: Amy Coney Barrett Nomination Provokes “Grave Concern” For the Future of Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON — In response to President Trump’s announcement of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as nominee to the Supreme Court, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“Today’s announcement disrupts a nation in mourning and in the midst of transition. We maintain our belief that, with voting already underway, the nomination process should be led by whomever is elected in November. With President Trump’s nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, we regret that this precedent will not be honored, and are deeply concerned with the repercussions such a decision will have on our collective freedoms and civil liberties.
“The freedom to believe as we choose is an essential component of American democracy. Once heralded as a shield to protect personal belief, the Trump administration has orchestrated a four-year coordinated campaign to distort our first freedom beyond recognition. The president has made no secret of his intent to cement this legacy through the appointment of a third Supreme Court justice. As the only national organization committed to protecting faith and freedom – and the wall of separation that enables both spheres to thrive – we approach Judge Barrett’s nomination with grave concern.
“There should not, under any circumstances, be a religious test for public office. But public officials, including Supreme Court justices, owe a duty to Americans of all faiths and of none, and we have an obligation to ask meaningful questions about the role a potential justice’s personal faith or philosophy plays into their judicial philosophy, and how they would ensure our first freedom is extended to those of all faiths and none.
“In the coming days, Interfaith Alliance will undertake a rigorous review of Judge Barrett’s record on issues relating to religious freedom. Americans of all faiths and traditions need to know if the Supreme Court will stand as a bulwark against theocracy.”
If you are interested in speaking with Rabbi Jack Moline further on this issue, please contact Manisha Sunil at msunil@westendstrategy.com or 202-417-0171.
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