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

History as Fuel: Reza Aslan on the latest Iran War
State of Belief
March 14, 2026

History as Fuel: Reza Aslan on the latest Iran War

A nuanced perspective on Iran’s geopolitical situation from an Iranian-American religion scholar, blending personal stories with historical context and expert analysis.

The Downward Arc of Donald Trump, With Ruth Ben-Ghiat
State of Belief
March 7, 2026

The Downward Arc of Donald Trump, With Ruth Ben-Ghiat

An expert on authoritarianism explains the ways strongmen consolidate power - and how they lose it

The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson
State of Belief
February 28, 2026

The Epstein Files as a Mirror, With Rabbi Jay Michaelson

Unpacking the recent revelations, conspiracy theories, and the urgent moral reckoning we face. Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson is back on The State of Belief to explain the antisemitism triggered by this case, as well as by the ongoing war in the Middle East.