Episodes

  • Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"

    Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
    Jun 7 2025
    This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this. Leah traces the origins of Indivisible, where she serves as co-executive director, back to authoring The Indivisible Guide in the wake of the 2016 election. The conversation highlights the importance of: The Power of Local Organizing: Leah emphasizes how grassroots movements can effectively challenge the status quo. After the 2016 election, many individuals who had never been politically active stepped up to organize in their communities. This surge of local activism powered the growth of Indivisible, and it continues to be a driving force in the fight for democracy today. Building Coalitions Across Differences: To be seen as serious, a coalition needs diverse voices and perspectives. Leah points out that while we may not agree on every issue, we can unite around shared values, such as the dignity of all human life and the commitment to a pluralistic democracy. This approach is essential, especially in a time when divisiveness can easily fracture movements. Mobilization as a Strategy: Leah shares insights on the significance of mass mobilization in the current political climate. With the upcoming No Kings initiative, Indivisible aims to demonstrate that there is a strong and growing opposition to authoritarianism. Mobilization is not just about numbers; it's about sending a message, building community, and preparing for future actions. As Leah noted, "We are building muscles to mobilize," which is crucial for sustaining momentum in the fight for democracy. Leah Greenberg is co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, a grassroots movement with over one million participants – and counting. A former congressional staffer, she co-authored We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump. Leah has been recognized for her leadership in civic engagement and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2019. Indivisible is partnering with many groups - including Interfaith Alliance - for the upcoming No Kings initiative on June 14, 2025. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!
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    54 mins
  • Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol

    Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
    May 31 2025
    This week on The State of Belief, you’ll hear a powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, diving deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Just a couple of highlights: How Can Faith and Action Unite? Jim connects the Christian tradition of Pentecost and the current moment we find ourselves in. Just as the early followers of Jesus found courage to speak out in the streets, we too are called to rise above fear and take action. This event is not just a protest; it’s a public witness to our values as people of faith, transcending partisan politics. Why is the Budget a Moral Document? Wallis emphasizes that the choices we make in our budgets reflect our values and priorities as a society. So we’re not just advocating for specific programs; we’re advocating for a moral budget that aligns with the teachings of Jesus and supports the most vulnerable among us. What Does a Call to Collective Action Look Like? There are still ways for all of us to engage in the democratic process. Whether you can attend the event in person or not, there are numerous ways to participate. From writing letters to your senators to mobilizing your community, every action counts. Jim reminds us that moments like these can change the narrative and impact votes. Together, we can show that faith communities are not silent but are actively engaged in shaping a more just and compassionate society. You’ll also hear an excerpt from Sen. Cory Booker’s marathon Senate speech last month, where he and Sen. Chris Coons raised up Scripture as a guide toward the values our federal budget should truly embody as a moral document. Listen to this episode and join in this important movement. Let’s come together to advocate for a budget that reflects our shared values and supports those in need. The Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget is Tuesday, June 10th, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Rev. Jim Wallis is the founder of Sojourners Magazine and the Sojourners Christian Community, and has been at the forefront of bringing together faith and social justice activism for decades, advocating for for issues such as racial equality, poverty alleviation, peace, and environmental stewardship as a preacher, teacher, best-selling author, and theologian. He currently serves as the founding Director of the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University. Jim’s books include God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It, and The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!
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    51 mins
  • Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum

    Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
    May 24 2025
    June, traditionally Pride Month, is almost here, and this year, Pride will test the courage of our nation. It has been a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community - with attempts to erase trans people, roll back civil rights for the wider LGBTQ community, ban Pride flags, and in 10 states there are bills to take back the right to marry... as well as pressure for corporations and faith groups to distance themselves from Pride celebrations. In a powerful response, Interfaith Alliance is bringing together an amazing coalition of leaders and communities around the urgent call to Recommit to Pride - and we are encouraging people from all backgrounds to sign the Recommit to Pride Pledge. This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, a true pioneer in progressive activism and LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Jewish community. Rabbi Kleinbaum has dedicated her life to creating spaces of faith and support for marginalized communities, and her insights are more relevant now than ever. In this in-depth conversation, you’ll hear all about: The Power of Community and Action: Rabbi Kleinbaum emphasizes that while no one can do everything, everyone can do something. This mantra has guided her throughout her journey, from her early days in the LGBTQ+ movement to her current role as the director of The Beacon, a multi-faith initiative aimed at mobilizing communities in response to political challenges. Joy Amidst Struggle: One of the most profound lessons offered is the importance of making room for joy, even in the face of suffering. Rabbi Kleinbaum highlights how both the Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities have historically used humor and celebration as tools for survival. She reminded us that while we must acknowledge the pain and challenges we face, we also have a responsibility to nurture our spirits and find joy in our lives. Engagement in the Present Moment: Rabbi Kleinbaum's work with The Beacon encourages each of us to take an active role in our communities. By participating in local actions and expressing a vision for a better future, we can create a "split screen" that showcases both the challenges we face, and the hope we hold. Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum is a fixture in Jewish life, progressive activism, and interfaith organizing in New York City and far beyond. She led the largest LGBTQ synagogue in the world, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, from 1992 – 2024 with a powerful message of inclusivity, social justice and spiritual resistance. From service and support to the most marginalized during the height of the AIDS crisis, to the devastation of the first Trump administration, Rabbi Sharon brought courage and wisdom to her decades of leadership at CBST, where she now holds the title of Rabbi Emerita. Today she serves as director of The Beacon, and teaches at Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in Boston. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!
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    54 mins
  • Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (Ret.) on the Role of the Military in Upholding Democracy

    Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (Ret.) on the Role of the Military in Upholding Democracy
    May 17 2025
    This week on the show, we're honored to welcome Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey (Retired), former Chief of the United States Army Reserve, joining host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush. He’s a combat veteran, he’s an attorney, and he’s a pastor’s son – so he's able to cover a wide range of topics with depth and wisdom. Having sworn an oath to the Constitution, Lt. Gen. Luckey has some really great insights into the responsibilities of citizenship, the urgent need to preserve democracy, and the important role for religion in this moment of American – and human – history. With a career that’s equal parts military precision and legal acumen, Lt. Gen. Luckey provides an unparalleled perspective on the challenges confronting democratic institutions today. Raised by politically diverse parents, he sees this moment and this country in a resolutely nonpartisan way. And that also leads Lt. Gen. Luckey to be able to see profound opportunity for faith communities in this time of turmoil and division. Through the lens of a former judge advocate, the conversation expands to explore the core values underpinning lawful military orders and civil service oaths. These insights underscore the enduring necessity of character and integrity across both military and civilian spheres. Are we in a constitutional crisis? Not yet, he says. But we’re getting closer. Quoting a conservative circuit court judge, Lt. Gen. Luckey finds both inspiration and a warning that goes far beyond partisanship, right to the heart of both: the love of country, and the love of neighbor. Retired Lt. Gen. Charles Luckey is the former Chief of the United States Army Reserve. In that position, he was responsible for manning, training, and equipping a force of more than 200,000 Soldiers and civilians across 50 states, five territories, and more than 30 countries. Having completed three combat tours, Lt. Gen. Luckey is a practicing attorney and a leading voice for American values at home and around the world. He regularly shares his insights on his LinkedIn page. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, subscribe, and thank you for listening!
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Book Bans vs. the Right to Read: Kelly Jensen and Rev. Amos Brown

    Book Bans vs. the Right to Read: Kelly Jensen and Rev. Amos Brown
    May 10 2025
    This week on The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Kelly Jensen. She’s a passionate advocate for intellectual freedom, democracy, and the right to read. As an editor at Book Riot and a former librarian, Kelly has been at the forefront of the fight against book bans and censorship. The urgent conversation covers the growing wave of censorship, the role of religious extremism in book-banning efforts, and what we can do to safeguard free expression and democratic values. Kelly shares her personal experiences and insights on the emotional impact of censorship, the importance of diverse stories, and how communities can come together to support libraries and schools. The discussion includes practical steps each of us can take, such as attending library board meetings, writing letters of support, and engaging in local elections to protect the freedom to read. Later, Paul is joined by Rev. Amos Brown, the longtime president of the NAACP of San Francisco and a lifelong civil rights leader. He tells the story of loaning the Smithsonian Institution precious personal items – a historical Bible and the first book about Black American history – and how, seemingly in implementing an anti-diversity executive order, the Smithsonian attempted to return them. (He notes that most recently, there seems to be movement toward reversing this decision.) Kelly Jensen is editor at Book Riot, the largest independent editorial book site in North America. Her weekly newsletter tracking violations of the right to read and opportunities for advocacy is titled Literary Activism. Rev. Dr. Amos Brown is a longtime pastor of Third Baptist Church in San Francisco, a congregation attended by Vice President Kamala Harris. One of the very few students at Morehouse College who were taught by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Amos serves as president of the NAACP San Francisco branch. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck

    Faith is Standing Strong: Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck
    May 3 2025
    On Wednesday, April 30th, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush was with Faithful America Executive Director Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck in front of the Supreme Court building, saying “No!” to tax dollars being funneled to private religious schools. That’s the issue that was before the justices as they heard arguments in St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond. This week, The State of Belief starts with an urgent message Shannon and I recorded that morning at the Court. After that, you’ll hear an in-depth conversation they had a few weeks earlier, getting into her background as a probation officer and Oklahoma native called to ministry and faith-driven activism. Shannon’s passion for social justice and skill at organizing around shared religious values were evident in her time leading the Oklahoma Faith Network. During that time, the organization developed programs like “No Hate in the Heartland.” The St. Isidore case originated in Oklahoma, and Shannon is intimately familiar with its history and its significance for anyone concerned with the Establishment Clause of the US Constitution. The background she reveals makes clear exactly why this is such a big deal. Most recently, Rev. Fleck was chosen to serve as executive director of Faithful America, the largest online community of Christians advocating for social justice. It’s an incredibly difficult time to step into that kind of role, but our conversation shows why she was called to this role, and how prepared she is to take it on. Shannon openly discusses the difficulties caused by Christian Nationalism and unequal treatment of different belief traditions, emphasizing the vital role that faith-based alliances play in uplifting underrepresented voices and fending off political pressure. Shannon’s call to “know your neighbor” is an invaluable reminder that deep connections can still thrive even in a time of seemingly unbridgeable division. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!
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    57 mins
  • Amy Spitalnick on How Jewish Safety and Inclusive Democracy are Inextricably Linked

    Amy Spitalnick on How Jewish Safety and Inclusive Democracy are Inextricably Linked
    Apr 26 2025
    This week, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), is back on The State of Belief. In this episode, Amy and host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush dig into the immediacy of antisemitism, democracy, and how our communities are connected. Among the important topics they cover: Why Jewish safety and democracy are intertwined How genuine concerns about antisemitism are being hijacked to undermine civil liberties and democratic institutions How to respond during this critical moment Our voices are wonderful tools for change, and we must never stop using them to counteract hate and extremism in all its forms. Please listen to this episode and reflect on these essential themes. What Amy has to say is not just applicable to the Jewish community but to everyone interested in democracy, justice, and the welfare of humanity. Please share this episode with one person who would enjoy hearing this conversation, and thank you for listening!
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    57 mins
  • Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Environmentalism, and Compassionate Leadership

    Remembering Pope Francis: Father James Martin Reflects on LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Environmentalism, and Compassionate Leadership
    Apr 21 2025
    Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church worldwide since 2013, has passed away at the age of 88. A tireless champion of the central social justice teachings of Jesus, Pope Francis followed his personal mantra, “don’t forget the poor,” Pope Francis – previously Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina - brought profound change to the Church in tumultuous and challenging times. He was the first non-European pope since the 8th Century AD. On this special episode of The State of Belief, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush welcomes Father James Martin, a Roman Catholic priest, author, and advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in the Church. Father Jim shares his experiences meeting Pope Francis, discussing LGBTQ issues and receiving the pope’s unwavering support for that ministry, and highlights the late Pope's commitment to the poor and marginalized. Reflecting on Pope Francis's legacy, Father Jim, a fellow Jesuit, emphasizes his empathetic leadership and pivotal encyclicals on the environment and brotherhood. The discussion also touches on current challenges facing the Church and hopes for its future direction. Father James Martin is editor-at-large of America Magazine, the Jesuit Review of Faith and Culture. He’s also an influential moral voice for the inclusion of LGBTQI+ Catholics in the full life of the Church, and a hero to many. A papally-appointed consultant to the Vatican, Father Martin is the author of numerous books, including Jesus: a Pilgrimage; Learning to Pray; and Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity.
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    40 mins
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