Welton GaddyA few days ago, my wife Judy and I took some time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the cherry trees in full bloom, wonderful white bouquets surrounding Washington’s Tidal Basin. Soaking up part of the glory of spring was energizing, inspiring and evocative of hope. Unfortunately, taking a close look at other parts of the city, particularly on Capitol Hill, is less encouraging. Winter turns into spring, but some matters remain the same. Challenges to religious freedom mar the landscape of politics here like the terrible tornados that have stormed across the South this spring – leaving devastation in their wake and marring the promise of civic life. With your help, we at Interfaith Alliance work hard to sustain the promise of our Constitution and to protect the principles intrinsic to our freedom. You know the challenges. By means of this first newsletter of 2011, we want to share with you some of our successes.

I am as proud of the accomplishments you have helped Interfaith Alliance experience this year as I am stunned by the proliferation of challenges that continue to threaten our first freedom and many of our rights. There is little time to rejoice in our victories because of the rapidity with which disturbing new issues arise. We simply have to bring together a nation that is divided, at least on non-negotiable principles related to the relationship between the institutions of religion and the institutions of government. That essential task leaves little time to look at cherry blossoms; our work is important and the stakes are high.

In this newsletter, you will find information on how you can stay up to date – anywhere and everywhere – on news at the intersection of religion and politics, as well as on how you can help in all our critical efforts to protect religious freedom today and well into the future. I hope that as you enjoy reading our newsletter you will be as encouraged by our accomplishments as I am and that you will be motivated to join us in the pivotal work immediately ahead of us. We need you.

Again, thanks for your continued support. We never take it for granted and always receive it with gratitude. Working together, we will realize more successes in eliminating some of the ugliness in our nation and even be able to take quick breaks to enjoy the beauty of the world in which we live.