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

The Black Church and the Gutting of the Voting Rights Act with Rev. Thomas L. Bowen
State of Belief
May 9, 2026

The Black Church and the Gutting of the Voting Rights Act with Rev. Thomas L. Bowen

"DC's Pastor" weighs in on American democracy after SCOTUS dismissed the VRA, and the claims of the Presidential Commission on Anti-Christian Bias report.

The Catholic Response to Trump's Attacks on the Church with Dr. Anthea Butler and Rev. James Martin, SJ
State of Belief
May 2, 2026

The Catholic Response to Trump's Attacks on the Church with Dr. Anthea Butler and Rev. James Martin, SJ

How the first American pope's fearless stance challenges Trump’s tactics—and what it means for us all in a time of values being challenged and papal authority being questioned for political gain.

All Are Neighbors: How Love Won at Baylor University
State of Belief
April 25, 2026

All Are Neighbors: How Love Won at Baylor University

A coalition of student groups at Baylor organized a celebration of diversity, inclusion and love (just across campus from a half-empty Turning Point USA event) that saw two prominent ordained LGBTQ+ leaders bring their full selves to the podium