WASHINGTON – Responding to the Vice President’s assertion at Liberty University that those following what he considers “traditional Christianity” will be ridiculed, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, reminded the Vice President of what endangered religious freedom actually is and that there is no protection from theological disagreement:

“We take seriously the claim that religious freedom is in any way being compromised. However, the Vice President is confusing disagreement with his personal beliefs and interpretation of his scripture with a violation of his First Amendment rights.

“Interfaith Alliance will be one of the first to speak up on his behalf should his movements ever be restricted because of his faith as it has for Muslims through Trump’s Muslim Ban, his ability to wear religious garb be prohibited as it has for Sikhs who wear kirpans, or he’s denied service or health care because of someone else’s religious beliefs.

“We’ll also be there when his sense of safety is shattered after a hate-fueled attack on members of his faith community as those in Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and African American Christian communities across the country have experienced shootings, arson and violent protests.

“Instead he conflates disagreements with infringements and ignores the rich diversity of faith in this country, including in his own chosen faith of Christianity. The Vice President should revisit the Constitution and the oath he took to uphold it.

“Our Constitution does not protect a believer from theological disagreements or enable elected officials to legislate their core tenants of faith at the expense of others. Our Constitution protects the rights of all Americans to profess the faith – or no faith – of their choice, and to practice it.”

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.