National Call to Action for Faith Communities
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National Call to Action for Faith Communities

Ray Kirstein
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Ray Kirstein
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April 5, 2025

On a special edition of The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio program and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush brings together an incredible crew of faith leaders, organizers, and activists for a powerful National Call to Action for Faith Communities, bringing together religious and civic leaders at a critical moment in our nation’s history.

The conversation was recorded as everyone was getting ready for the Hands Off 2025 national day of action on Saturday, April 5. We’re talking real talk about where things stand in America right now — the attacks on our democracy, the marginalization of so many communities, and what we can actually do about it. It’s urgent, yes — but it’s also full of hope.

You’ll hear from bold voices like Maria J. Stephan (co-lead & chief organizer, The Horizons Project) on how faith communities have always been on the frontlines of justice work. Plus powerful insights from Rahna Epting (Executive Director, MoveOn), Leah Greenberg (Co-director, Indivisible), Bishop Duane Royster (Executive Director, Faith in Action), Wa’el Alzayat (CEO, Emgage), Jamie Bieran (CEO, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action), and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis (Director, Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, & Social Justice; Co-Founder, Poor Peoples’ Campaign).

These folks are fired up — and they’re reminding us that we’re not in this alone.  If you're wondering what role faith and community can play in pushing back against authoritarianism — this is for you.

To get The State of Belief delivered to you every week, please be sure to subscribe at https://www.stateofbelief.com/subscribe, and share The State of Belief with someone who needs to hear this conversation!

You can also hear this week’s episode below:

How We Love Is To Tell the Truth - Michael Eric Dyson
State of Belief
April 14, 2025

How We Love Is To Tell the Truth - Michael Eric Dyson

This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a distinguished professor at Vanderbilt University and a passionate advocate for social justice.

Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity
State of Belief
April 1, 2025

Faith and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush moderates a panel discussion on faith-driven activism in the face of overt attacks on LGBTQ+ persons with Chase Strangio, Tahil Sharma, Jon Cohen, and Ross Keys.

The Rule of Law and the Chaos of MAGA: Jay Michaelson
State of Belief
March 24, 2025

The Rule of Law and the Chaos of MAGA: Jay Michaelson

This week on The State of Belief, Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson discusses U.S. politics, censorship, antisemitism, and LGBTQ+ rights with Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, emphasizing faith, activism, and defending democracy.