WASHINGTON – Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited the Bible in an attempt to rationalize the administration’s controversial policy of separating immigrant families. Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, responded to the attorney general’s comments in a statement:

“The perversion of scripture today to attempt to justify unjust immigration policies by Attorney General Sessions is another example of this administration’s misuse of religion to score political points. Apparently, the significance of religious and non-religious individuals and organizations – including people like Franklin Graham who often zealously defend the administration regardless of facts – is lost on the administration.

“Religion can be and is a force for good in many lives. The United States is at its best when its governmental bodies remain secular while respecting all faiths and practices and refusing to use religion as a wedge to divide people. However, this administration’s repeated misuse of religion and perversion of religious freedom damages endangers the stability and very fabric of our democracy.”

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.