THEME FOR MAY 2024

Religion encroachment on government in the United States has been a topic of ongoing debate since the country’s founding. Most U.S. adults (73%) believe that religion should be kept separate from government policies, while only 25% think that government policies should support religious values and beliefs. Despite this consensus, there are differences across political affiliations: Democrats (84%) are more likely to favor separation, while Republicans (38%) are more likely to support government backing of religious values. The Johnson Amendment restricts political activity by religious organizations, aiming to keep churches and houses of worship out of politics. However, during the 2020 presidential race, some attendees of religious services reported hearing sermons expressing support for specific candidates. Additionally, debates continue about the role of religion in educational settings, and recent Supreme Court rulings have addressed the display of religious symbols on public property. Advocates for separation of church and state work to counter the influence of white Christian nationalism, which seeks to align Christianity with conservative values and ethnocentrism. Globally, government restrictions on religion reached peak levels in 2021, while social hostilities decreased. In summary, maintaining a clear separation between religion and government remains crucial for democracy, and advocacy efforts continue to protect religious freedom and uphold democratic principles.

Elections and voting play a pivotal role in shaping our societies and governments. They are critically significant because they allow citizens to choose their representatives, ensuring that our voices are heard in collective decision-making. Each vote contributes to the governance of our communities, states, and nations. Regular elections hold elected officials accountable, motivating them to act in the public interest. Legitimate governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, and elections validate this authority. By voting, we influence policies related to education, healthcare, and the environment. Voting empowers marginalized groups, driving social change through civil rights movements, women’s suffrage, and LGBTQ+ rights. It also combats voter suppression and ensures equal representation. Our votes reflect diverse perspectives, contributing to a robust democracy. In summary, elections and voting collectively shape the course of our societies, fostering a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

The 2024 presidential election holds immense significance for several reasons. The elected president will shape policies on critical issues such as the economy, climate crisis, healthcare, and foreign relations. Their leadership will impact the lives of millions of Americans and set the course for the nation’s future. Additionally, the post-Covid economic recovery is ongoing, and the president’s decisions will influence job growth, inflation, and financial stability. By voting, you ensure that your voice contributes to economic policies that directly affect you and your community. The 2024 election will also address issues related to social justice, equality, and national security. Your vote impacts how the U.S. engages with the world and ensures our safety. Moreover, voting is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy. By participating, you contribute to the legitimacy and accountability of the government. Lastly, marginalized communities rely on voting to advocate for their rights, and your vote amplifies their voices, promoting a more equitable society. In summary, the 2024 presidential election will shape the nation’s trajectory, and your active participation in democracy influences the direction of the United States.

White Christian nationalism is a perverse ideology that is currently posing significant challenges to the United States. It asserts that all aspects of civic life should align with a conservative and ethnocentric expression of Christianity, going beyond theological beliefs to include cultural assumptions. These assumptions involve strict moral traditionalism, authoritarian control, ethno-racial boundaries, and centering the white Christian experience. Historically rooted, it believes the founders intended a nation where white Christians could lead and flourish. However, it threatens democratic principles by challenging the separation of church and state, perpetuates division, and challenges the inclusive vision of America. Recognizing its impact is crucial for safeguarding a diverse and equitable society. 

Project 2025 is an ambitious policy proposal created by the right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation: https://www.project2025.org/

Project 2025 aims to reshape the U.S. federal government’s executive branch if a Republican candidate wins the 2024 U.S. presidential election. It proposes radical changes, including reinstating Schedule F, a Trump-era executive order that allows federal employees to be fired at will, effectively removing civil service protections for tens of thousands of employees. The project also sets up online trainings and loyalty tests to hire extreme loyalists committed to following former President Donald Trump without question. Additionally, Project 2025 threatens protections for reproductive rights, LGBTQ and civil rights, potentially rolling back progress made in these areas. Furthermore, its proposals may hinder climate change efforts by weakening environmental protections and regulations. The project also includes measures related to immigration, which could impact policies and enforcement. Backed by a coalition of conservative organizations and individuals, Project 2025 represents a significant threat to democracy and civil liberties.
As concerned citizens, there are several actions we can take to address Project 2025 and its extreme right-wing agenda:

1. Stay Informed: Understand the specifics of Project 2025 and its implications for civil rights, democracy, and government institutions. https://democracyforward.org/ is the peoples guide to this anti-democracy legal playbook.
   Advocate and Raise Awareness: Share information about Project 2025 with your network. Use social media, write op-eds, and engage in conversations to raise awareness about its consequences.
2. Contact Elected Officials: Reach out to your representatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Express your concerns about Project 2025 and urge them to oppose any policies that threaten civil liberties and democratic norms.
3. Support Organizations: Back groups that fight for civil rights, transparency, and accountability. Consider donating, volunteering, or participating in their advocacy efforts.
4. Vote and Encourage Others to Vote: Participate in elections. Support candidates who prioritize democracy, transparency, and the protection of civil rights. Encourage others to vote as well.
5. Attend Public Meetings and Form Grassroots Movements: Engage with local government bodies, attend public meetings, and voice your concerns about any policies influenced by Project 2025.
6. Stay Vigilant: Monitor policy changes, personnel appointments, and any implementation of Project 2025. Hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

Remember that collective action and informed engagement are powerful tools to safeguard democracy and protect civil liberties.

Addressing the rise of white Christian nationalism necessitates a multifaceted approach that combines education, dialogue, and community engagement. Strategies include understanding the phenomenon’s historical roots, ideology, and impact, as well as educating others to dispel misconceptions. Promoting inclusivity through interfaith dialogue, community building, and advocating for the separation of church and state is crucial. Additionally, challenging discrimination, engaging politically, and fostering community action contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient society. We must have the drive to make change and the persistence to see it through.

Service and participation means putting values into action in ways that positively impact our communities and society as a whole. It fosters helping others, increasing social awareness, enhancing accountability, and many attributes of the other nine commitments. Engaging in service doesn’t just make the recipients better off, but those who serve can develop new skills, experiences, and personal satisfaction that all promote personal growth. We must all recognize that we are members of a group, and engaging in service to benefit the group and the other individuals in it makes us all better off.