Rabbi Jack Moline: Sen. Booker, Rep. Hoyer Must Clarify Positions on Religious Freedom

For Immediate Release Contact: Shannon Craig Straw, West End Strategy Team, 202-776-7700, scstraw@westendstrategy.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2022 

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171

Rabbi Jack Moline: Sen. Booker, Rep. Hoyer Must Clarify Positions on Religious Freedom

WASHINGTON—Interfaith advocates are calling out Senator Booker (D-NJ) and Majority Leader Hoyer’s (D-MD) recent comments lambasting the constitutional tenet of church-state separation. Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:

“Senator Booker and Rep. Hoyer’s statements during the Chabad breakfast on Wednesday were reminiscent of rhetoric we’re used to hearing from the Religious Right. As a rabbi, I understand how central faith is to the lives of millions of Americans, including lawmakers. As a staunch defender of religious freedom, I implore our lawmakers to remember that when they took their oath of public office, they made a promise to defend all Americans – not just those who worship their same God.

“Both Senator Booker and Rep. Hoyer have long been champions for communities too often pushed to the margins in America, which made their comments even more hurtful to the millions of Americans who are not called by God as they are and as I am. To say, point blank, ‘A lot of people think this country’s about separating church or religion from government. I say no,’ is a complete betrayal of our Constitution. Equally troubling are Rep. Hoyer’s comments that unalienable rights ‘are not gifts of the state, not gifts of the Constitution, not gifts of a majority of our people, but the gift of God.’ Our founders, however imperfect, built this nation on the notion that we would be governed by and for the people, not by a higher power.

“If these two leaders are as much of allies to the Jewish community as they professed this week, they would know that communities like mine are best served and protected when the pillars of religious freedom are defended. I call on them to clarify their statements and reaffirm their commitment to working for Americans of all faiths and none.”

If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 or msunil@westendstrategy.com.

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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.