Washington June 16 – On this Sunday’s “State of Belief,” The Interfaith Alliance Foundation’s show on Air America Radio, Rev. Welton Gaddy hears from the most powerful Democrat in the Senate about the role faith plays in politics, the Louisiana Senate edits the Ten Commandments and Welton preaches to the choir about reauthorizing the Voting Rights Authorization (VRA) bill which is on its way to the floor of the U.S. House.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) joins Welton on the phone to talk about the proper role of religion in politics. He says faith is important as long as there is a clear separation because “we need to make sure we have the religious liberties that make this country great and try not to mix them with government.”

Louisiana State Senator James David Cain (R-Dry Creek) calls Welton from the Senate floor to explain why he wrote legislation to post the Ten Commandments in government buildings, which led to legislators editing the Ten Commandments. Asked if there are not more important issues in Louisiana, Cain responds, “If I have one person in this state who will read the Ten Commandments I’ve done a wonderful job.”

House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) will bring the VRA to the floor of the U.S. House next week in what should be a great show of bipartisan support to extend the guaranteed rights and freedoms to all Americans. Welton says, “No one in this democracy should ever have to fear their vote was not counted. The outcome of elections should be determined by voters, not the Supreme Court, the Federal Election Commission or anyone else.”

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.