Easter and Passover Courage in the Fight for Democracy

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This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush directly takes on the critical issues facing our democracy as we reach the end of the first 90 days of the Trump-Vance-Musk administration. With the backdrop of the sacred days in both the Christian and Jewish traditions, Paul enumerates some of the anti-democratic actions the administration has taken against individuals and communities.That includes urgent warning signs such as the deportation of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, and the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act, and the dismantling of DEI initiatives while at the same time installing Orwellian anti-anti-Christian campaigns in government agencies. Paul’s call is for everyone to take action and stand up against authoritarianism while coming together to support one another and uphold the values of democracy and compassion.

Now, in the State Department, basically, they’re asking people to snitch on one another if they hear anything that is vaguely anti-Christian. And what do they mean by that? This is the most anti-Christian administration that we’ve ever seen. I mean, this is incredible. Attack the Bishop Budde, attack the Catholic bishops, attack the Lutherans, attack the Quakers, all of them. And including when they shut down DEI, they shut down a Christian affinity group in the State Department. But now the State Department is urging people to snitch on one another if they hear anything that’s anti-Christian at all. And you know what that means. It just means anything that’s pro-gay, whatever. You can make things up.

Raising up voices of hope and courage, Paul shares excerpts from a past Easter program with Bishop Mariann Budde, who leads the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC. She reflects on the difficult lessons of the holiday in the context of modern-day America, and the courage exhibited by those being sacrificed then as well as now.

We hear from Rabbi Jonah Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, about the significance of Passover and the importance of interfaith collaboration in the fight for justice.

And we celebrate with Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, senior minister of Middle Collegiate Church, who offers a powerful reflection on Easter and the theme of rebirth as her congregation celebrates the reopening of their church after a devastating fire.

Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!