Resource: Banned Books, Banned Belief

In observation of the second annual Right to Read Day, Unite Against Book Bans and Interfaith Alliance are pleased to announce a new resource for speaking out and taking action against book bans. “Banned Books, Banned Beliefs” explores the connections between book banning, religious belief, and religious freedom, encouraging members of diverse faith communities to stand up for the freedom to read. 

 

“Censorship is a religious freedom issue — book banning is a political strategy that could silence diverse religious voices and traditions that are a major part of the rich social fabric of America,” said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. “Unfortunately, some of those who want to ban books use religion as an excuse to target LGBTQIA+ voices, communities of color, and many others. In truth, most people of faith and conscience in this country support equality and oppose these harmful efforts to privilege any one narrow viewpoint. We’re proud to work alongside the ALA to encourage religious communities to stand up for libraries, librarians and the right to read.” 
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A coordinated national censorship campaign – with deep ties to the Christian nationalist movement – is banning books and attacking the foundations of our democracy, targeting books about minority faiths and ethnicities, LGBTQ+ identity, racism, and history.
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As Interfaith Alliance continues to grow our team, we are searching for candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences to help us further our mission to build a resilient, inclusive democracy where all have the opportunity to thrive. We are currently hiring a Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy, and for other positions!
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We are mobilizing on multiple fronts, including in the courts, public policy advocacy, voter and candidate education, and poll and social media monitoring.
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With hate crimes at unparalleled levels and the threat of Christian nationalism on the rise, now more than ever, we must join together to make clear that hate has no place in our communities.
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Together we’ve been working to stop Christian nationalism, support separation of church and state, and protect democracy for 30 years. Let’s celebrate together: honoring the past and launching the future!
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The State of Belief Podcast

Every week, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is in conversation with the most fascinating and impactful civic and religious leaders across the country, casting a vision for a just and welcoming nation, while protecting our democracy from the threat of extremism and bigotry in any form.

State of Belief celebrates the creative contributions our diverse belief systems can offer for the future and invites listeners to join together as we build a nation with liberty and justice for all.

This week’s episode

State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush talks with Dr. R. G. Cravens of the Southern Poverty Law Center, author of the book “Yes, Gawd! How Faith Shapes LGBT Identity and Politics in the United States.”

 

 

Access trainings, toolkits and resources on Interfaith Advocacy, Confronting Christian Nationalism, Disrupting Hate, Inclusive Religious Freedom, Protecting Democracy, and much more.

 

We are mobilizing people with diverse religion and belief across the country who are forging diverse alliances to build democracy not theocracy and to celebrate not discriminate – join the movement!

 

Your gift will support our work in communities across the country and Washington, D.C. to forge powerful and diverse alliances to advance inclusive religious freedom, civil rights, and dignity for all.

Updates From Our National Network

 

Whether you are part of an existing interfaith organization or an informal group of activists, we invite you to consider becoming part of our affiliate network. We can support and empower you to build bridges across religious differences and protect true religious freedom.
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New laws and policies in Florida have silenced queer youth in the state. But an event hosted by Interfaith Alliance of Southwest Florida and GLSEN Collier County will make sure their voices are heard.
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With half of Texas school districts lacking mental health services, state lawmakers have opted to anoint chaplains as the solution. As clergy members, we believe inserting chaplains in place of professional counselors into our schools is a grave threat to democracy and to the well-being of children across the state. Read this OpEd from Cantor Sheri Allen and Rev. Dr. Andy Stoker, lead organizer of Interfaith Alliance of Texas.
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Don Morrison, Interfaith Alliance of North Dakota supporter and President, board of trustees, of Bismark-Mandan Unitarian Universalist Congregation writes: “In North Dakota, neighbors look out for each other. We will work with our many wonderful neighbors of different faiths and perspectives to ensure that future generations will enjoy the freedoms – including freedom of religion – we take for granted today.”
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Explore our Work

Interfaith Alliance is committed to protecting the integrity of religion and democracy in the United State. Through advocacy and education efforts, building relationships with policymakers, and partnering with other faith and civic groups, we unite diverse voices to uphold our shared values and challenge discrimination and extremism.

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