The Law of the Land and the Fight for Religious Freedom

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Conversations

The overturning of Roe v. Wade; religious flags flying on government property; high school football coaches leading prayer at midfield; the expansion of taxpayer support for religious schools— all of these recently decided Supreme Court cases confront an integral American concept: the separation of church and state. Politics and religion, once taboo topics of conversation, now dominate public discourse, and there’s a renewed sense of urgency around clarifying, fortifying, and advancing religious freedom. 

What is acceptable in public forums? Can we, for example, broadcast prayers over PA systems at public school events? If so, whose prayers get to be recited? Grasping the impact of these legal precedents on healthcare, education, and beyond isn’t easy. That’s why we invite you to join us for a conversation with Rachel Laser, President and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Rachel is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. And as a religious minority – she was raised as a Reform Jew –  she understands personally how much it matters that our laws treat everyone fairly and equally. She is an advocate for racial justice and has led workshops, given speeches and worked with schools and universities to challenge racism and expose privilege.

Rachel Laser is the President and CEO at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School. She is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated her career to making our country more inclusive. Her religion is an important part of her identity. “I believe that religion can provide guidance, ritual and structure for celebrating, reflecting on and dealing with life,” she says. At the same time, many in her immediate family identify as atheist or agnostic. “Some of the people I love and respect the most are non-believers. They are also some of the most moral, ethical and principled people I know.”

Tri-Faith Initiative events are recorded and archived on our YouTube Channel.