Washington, DC – Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement in response to Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s attack on Interfaith Alliance. Rev. Gaddy sent a letter to Gov. Jindal following reports on the Baton Rouge Advocate that he had spent $45,000 in public funds traveling to church services around the state. A copy of the letter can be found at interfaithalliance.org.
Governor Jindal’s response does not answer the important question regarding his use of state funds for speaking engagements in houses of worship. Why the governor should not repay or reimburse the state with $45,000 and apologize to citizens for politicizing religion is still in need of an answer.
Governor Jindal’s critique of the work of Interfaith Alliance is another disturbing example of his lack of understanding of the danger of entanglement of institutions of government and institutions of religion.
I am saddened to know that Governor Jindal lacks a basic appreciation for the constitutional principle of religious freedom.
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.