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

Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman
State of Belief
October 11, 2025

Faith Rising for Democracy: How to Show Up for No Kings, With Adam Friedman

Ahead of the nationwide No Kings II demonstrations on October 18th, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush discusses nonviolent resistance and strategies for safely exercising the constitutional right to peaceful protest with Interfaith Alliance Organizing and Election Strategist Adam Friedman

League of Women Voters CEO Celena Stewart: Courage is Not the Absence of Fear
State of Belief
October 4, 2025

League of Women Voters CEO Celena Stewart: Courage is Not the Absence of Fear

Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, joins host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to talk about the organization's history, as well as its role in this challenging time for many voters.

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Randi Weingarten, and Skye Perryman speak on Religious Freedom in Public Schools
State of Belief
September 27, 2025

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, Randi Weingarten, and Skye Perryman speak on Religious Freedom in Public Schools

Much of this episode was recorded live at the inaugural Religious Freedom in Public Schools Summit in Dallas, Texas, convened by Interfaith Alliance on September 15, 2025.