WASHINGTON – Today, following the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Rabbi Jack Moline, executive director of Interfaith Alliance, released this statement:

“Today we mourn the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. From his stalwart support of religious belief and practice to his fiery dissent from LGBT equality cases, Justice Scalia did more to define the contours of religious freedom in the United States than perhaps any other leader in recent memory. While we may not have always shared his vision of the First Amendment, we honor and commemorate his contribution to the work to safeguard our first freedom. We call on President Obama and Congress to swiftly act to appoint a successor for Justice Scalia; the Constitution is too important not to be protected by a full bench.”

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.