Press Release
Interfaith Alliance: Johnson’s Acceptance of NACL Award Signals Acceptance of Religious Extremism in Government
Interfaith Alliance, a national group that advocates for inclusive democracy and healthy boundaries between religion and government, reacted today to Speaker Mike Johnson’s planned keynote speaking appearance at the National Association of Christian Lawmakers gala to accept their American Patriot Award for Christian Honor and Courage.
In response, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president and CEO of Interfaith Alliance said:
“One of the most powerful political leaders in the United States is proudly accepting an award from an organization dedicated to dismantling the separation of religion and government and which fights to impose its extremist ‘biblical worldview’ on all of us. In his new role as Speaker, Rep. Johnson must remember that he now represents all Americans, not a narrow band of Christian nationalist extremists with views far outside the mainstream.
“NACL is a central player in a calculated national campaign to pass discriminatory state laws that target LGBTQ+ people, promote censorship, and restrict access to reproductive healthcare. Interfaith Alliance has mobilized our network of people across the country to protect our democracy by fighting back against these laws that are antithetical to America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights for all.
“By accepting this award, Speaker Johnson is signaling his acceptance of these extreme and dangerous policies as well as a worldview that intentionally sanctions religious extremism with government power.
“As we carry on with our advocacy while turning our sights to the incredibly consequential 2024 election, we will continue speaking out against the Christian nationalism represented by the NACL and building a strong interfaith coalition to achieve inclusive democracy for all.”
Transcript
Florida Faith Leaders Mobilize at State Capitol To Support Democracy, Defend Immigrant Communities
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — On Thursday, January 22, 2026, dozens of faith leaders from across Florida will hold a Moral Mobilization at the State Capitol in Tallahassee. They will speak out for democracy, equality, and the dignity of immigrants and all communities, as part of a coordinated day of advocacy and public witness organized by Interfaith Alliance of Florida and other Florida grassroots faith organizations.
Interfaith Alliance Condemns Brutal ICE Killing – Calls for Faith Communities to Reject Authoritarianism and Choose Love, Not ICE
On Wednesday in Minneapolis, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good during an otherwise nonviolent encounter. Video and eyewitness accounts, which show the woman attempting to flee from ICE as they aggressively attempted to enter her vehicle, contradicting the Trump administration’s claims that agents acted in self-defense. The killing has intensified outrage and grief across Minnesota and the nation, as calls grow for accountability and an end to ICE crackdowns that are driving fear and putting communities in danger.
New Interfaith Alliance National Ad Campaign Contrasts ICE Brutality With Holy Season’s Call to Love Our Neighbors
Interfaith Alliance, a leading national advocate for religious freedom and civil rights, launched a powerful new nationwide advertising campaign today that contrasts ICE’s brutality against immigrant families and communities with the holy season’s religious calling to “love thy neighbor.”