For First Time in its History, Interfaith Alliance Opposes Nominee to the Federal Bench

For Immediate Release Contact: Shannon Craig Straw, West End Strategy Team, 202-776-7700, scstraw@westendstrategy.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2020

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171

For First Time in its History, Interfaith Alliance Opposes Nominee to the Federal Bench
Concludes that Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation would irreparably endanger religious freedom in the U.S. for those of all faiths and none

WASHINGTON — Interfaith Alliance will oppose the confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court given the danger her stated views pose to the religious freedoms of all Americans. Her faith played no part in this decision, but rather her long record of statements and decisions that run counter to the historic understanding of religious freedom in this country.

This marks the first time in the organization’s more than 25 year history it has opposed a judicial or executive nomination on the merits of the nominee.

Following Justice Ginsburg’s death, Interfaith Alliance urged the president and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell to honor the precedent they set in 2016 and allow the winner of November’s election to nominate her successor. The organization also released five essential questions related to religious freedom that we believe any incoming nominee must answer. Once these calls went unheeded, the organization voiced our initial concerns around Judge Coney Barrett’s nomination.

Said Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance: “Believing that honesty and thoroughness are essential in any confirmation process, in the days following her nomination, we examined Judge Coney Barrett’s public statements, activities, and record as a federal judge with an eye toward the future of religious freedom.

“Our thorough review of Judge Coney Barrett’s record reveals an interpretation of religious freedom that threatens our basic right to believe as we choose. Interfaith Alliance therefore takes the unprecedented step of opposing her nomination to the Supreme Court.

“This is not a decision we reach lightly, but it is one we make with resolve and determination. We do so not to call into question Judge Coney Barrett’s personal beliefs or experience, but out of profound concern for her commitment to protecting true religious freedom for all Americans. Her judicial philosophy, evidenced by her past work, endangers the decades of progress our nation has made toward the abiding promise that every American is equal under the law.”

You can read Interfaith Alliance’s full response to Judge Coney Barrett’s nomination here. If you are interested in speaking further with Rabbi Moline, please contact Manisha Sunil at msunil@westendstrategy.com and (202) 417-0171.

Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.