National Call to Action for Faith Communities
State of Belief

National Call to Action for Faith Communities

April 5, 2025

On a special edition of The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio program and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush brings together an incredible crew of faith leaders, organizers, and activists for a powerful National Call to Action for Faith Communities, bringing together religious and civic leaders at a critical moment in our nation’s history.

The conversation was recorded as everyone was getting ready for the Hands Off 2025 national day of action on Saturday, April 5. We’re talking real talk about where things stand in America right now — the attacks on our democracy, the marginalization of so many communities, and what we can actually do about it. It’s urgent, yes — but it’s also full of hope.

You’ll hear from bold voices like Maria J. Stephan (co-lead & chief organizer, The Horizons Project) on how faith communities have always been on the frontlines of justice work. Plus powerful insights from Rahna Epting (Executive Director, MoveOn), Leah Greenberg (Co-director, Indivisible), Bishop Duane Royster (Executive Director, Faith in Action), Wa’el Alzayat (CEO, Emgage), Jamie Bieran (CEO, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action), and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis (Director, Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, & Social Justice; Co-Founder, Poor Peoples’ Campaign).

These folks are fired up — and they’re reminding us that we’re not in this alone.  If you're wondering what role faith and community can play in pushing back against authoritarianism — this is for you.

To get The State of Belief delivered to you every week, please be sure to subscribe at https://www.stateofbelief.com/subscribe, and share The State of Belief with someone who needs to hear this conversation!

Transcript

Dancing with the Divine: Exploring Religious Freedom in 'The Testament of Ann Lee'
State of Belief
January 10, 2026

Dancing with the Divine: Exploring Religious Freedom in 'The Testament of Ann Lee'

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Interfaith Alliance colleagues Alyssa Klein and Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons to discuss religious freedom in America today through the lens of a new film celebrating the history of the Shaker faith in this country, "The Testament of Ann Lee." Religious Freedom Day is January 16th.

What Happened? Top Religion News Stories of 2025 with RNS, and Looking Ahead to 2026
State of Belief
January 3, 2026

What Happened? Top Religion News Stories of 2025 with RNS, and Looking Ahead to 2026

Religion News Service reporters Adele Banks and Jack Jenkins reflect on a pivotal year in which faith communities played a visible role in responding to political, social, and economic upheaval, from immigration advocacy to support for federal workers and marginalized groups.

Religion, LGBT Rights, and the Law with Mary Bonauto and Ben Marcus from GLADLaw
State of Belief
December 27, 2025

Religion, LGBT Rights, and the Law with Mary Bonauto and Ben Marcus from GLADLaw

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with GLADLaw Senior Director of Civil Rights and Legal Strategies Mary Bonauto and Senior Constitutional Law Fellow Ben Marcus.