Press Release
Interfaith Alliance: Johnson’s Acceptance of NACL Award Signals Acceptance of Religious Extremism in Government
Interfaith Alliance, a national group that advocates for inclusive democracy and healthy boundaries between religion and government, reacted today to Speaker Mike Johnson’s planned keynote speaking appearance at the National Association of Christian Lawmakers gala to accept their American Patriot Award for Christian Honor and Courage.
In response, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance said:
“One of the most powerful political leaders in the United States is proudly accepting an award from an organization dedicated to dismantling the separation of religion and government and which fights to impose its extremist ‘biblical worldview’ on all of us. In his new role as Speaker, Rep. Johnson must remember that he now represents all Americans, not a narrow band of Christian nationalist extremists with views far outside the mainstream.
“NACL is a central player in a calculated national campaign to pass discriminatory state laws that target LGBTQ+ people, promote censorship, and restrict access to reproductive healthcare. Interfaith Alliance has mobilized our network of people across the country to protect our democracy by fighting back against these laws that are antithetical to America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights for all.
“By accepting this award, Speaker Johnson is signaling his acceptance of these extreme and dangerous policies as well as a worldview that intentionally sanctions religious extremism with government power.
“As we carry on with our advocacy while turning our sights to the incredibly consequential 2024 election, we will continue speaking out against the Christian nationalism represented by the NACL and building a strong interfaith coalition to achieve inclusive democracy for all.”
Interfaith Alliance Condemns Islamophobia and Extremist Targeting of Public Officials
As a national leader in defending religious freedom and multi-faith democracy, Interfaith Alliance is appalled by the recent surge of Islamophobic hate speech and incitement against NYC Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, and the broader pattern of extreme hate directed against public officials and vulnerable minorities. This hateful rhetoric seeks to spread polarization and division and wrongly pit diverse American communities against one another.
SCOTUS Ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor Enables LGBTQ+ Discrimination, Harms True Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC – Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending religious freedom and multi-faith democracy, is deeply disturbed by the Supreme Court’s ruling today in the case of Mahmoud v. Taylor. The decision clears the way for further discrimination against diverse groups and undermines public education. While falsely claiming the mantle of religious freedom, it in fact suppresses diversity and promotes exclusion.
Interfaith Alliance Condemns SCOTUS Limiting Medicaid Recipients’ Access to Healthcare
WASHINGTON, DC – Interfaith Alliance, a national leader in defending religious freedom and multi-faith democracy, condemns today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, which strips Medicaid recipients of the legal right to seek care from the qualified provider of their choice, including Planned Parenthood.