It’s hard to believe that another year has almost passed. It seems that just yesterday I was writing to you about Interfaith Alliance’s priorities for 2011 – important work that would not have been possible without the steadfast support of activists and members like you. Well aware of that reality, as I prepare to hang a new calendar, I can’t help but reflect on all that we have accomplished this year together.
Together, we confronted the hateful rhetoric of the Religious Right…stood up to bullying in our children’s schools…challenged religious discrimination in hiring…countered anti-Muslim bigotry…and united thousands of people from diverse faith traditions worldwide through Faith Shared. It’s been a busy year…and I am very proud – and incredibly thankful – for everything that you have helped us accomplish.
As you know, the presidential primaries are now only a few weeks away…and the misuse of religion for personal political gain has never been so deliberate and so commonplace as in the early months of various campaigns. Preventing this abuse of religion is at the core of our work – and for this reason, our final e-newsletter of 2011 highlights our many efforts to protect faith and freedom on the campaign trail.
You will also read about our ongoing efforts to counter anti-Muslim bigotry, the latest from Sate of Belief Radio and highlights from our 14th Annual Walter Cronkite Faith & Freedom Award Gala. I hope that you enjoy reading our e-newsletter…and hope that our messages encourage you to continue to stand with us as 2012 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for religious freedom in America – but we will not be detoured.
Interfaith Alliance has confronted many challenges and celebrated many successes in 2011 – and standing together, I know we’ll celebrate even more victories for religious freedom in the new year. Thank you for everything you do.
